Domestic violence defense attorneys in Franklin County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Franklin County, MO area? These are grave charges that carry significant consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you are facing domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Franklin County, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.
Combs Waterkotte is a distinguished criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the Franklin County, MO area for more than 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering commitment to our clients’ rights and freedoms.
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Franklin County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Franklin County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the Franklin County, MO area can be daunting and emotional. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid escalating the situation any further.
- Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Franklin County, MO.
- Assert Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Franklin County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avoid self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
- Stay Informed: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. Your Franklin County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will obviously keep you in the loop, but be sure to keep all lines of communication open so as to not miss anything important. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Franklin County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In Franklin County, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
- Stalking: Persistent, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, preventing access to money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to exert power and control.
- Child Abuse: Any form of mistreatment, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the familial or household context.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Franklin County, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Franklin County, MO vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any prior criminal history. Domestic violence charges can result in criminal and civil consequences, including fines, probation, protective orders, pain and suffering, medical expenses, counseling/treatment programs, and incarceration.
Missouri law breaks domestic assault charges into the following four degrees:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to cause or knowingly inflict serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. A class B felony carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while the class A felony maximum is life in prison.
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any attempt to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is categorized as a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: As outlined in RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is causing physical injury, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Under RSMo § 565.076, this degree of assault includes any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault is a class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment. However, if there is a prior domestic assault conviction, it elevates to a class E felony.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that the intricacies of each case can significantly differ. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Franklin County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Franklin County, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Franklin County, MO legal process. Engaging such experienced legal representation is pivotal for securing the most favorable outcome in your case. After retaining their services, you gain access to the following benefits:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Franklin County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not the best option. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Franklin County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Franklin County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront witnesses against you. Your attorney will work to prevent any violations of your rights by Franklin County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local Franklin County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Franklin County, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of Franklin County, MO domestic violence charges. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Franklin County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Franklin County and anywhere in Missouri:
Connect With the Leading Franklin County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in or around Franklin County, MO, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal experts who are as committed to your case as you are. You need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Call the Franklin County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.