Domestic violence defense attorneys in Jennings, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Jennings, MO? These are serious allegations that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Jennings, MO, act quickly to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.
Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Jennings, MO area for over four decades. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering commitment to our clients’ rights and freedoms.
Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in Jennings, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Jennings, MO, it’s essential 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 Jennings, 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: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Jennings, MO legal process.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Jennings, 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. While your Jennings, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any crucial updates. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Jennings, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Jennings, MO, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. This includes actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
- Stalking: Persistent and unwanted monitoring, surveillance, following, or harassment that causes fear, anxiety, or emotional distress.
- Financial Domination: Exercising control over financial resources, preventing access to money or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to assert dominance.
- Child Abuse: Any form of maltreatment, abuse, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Jennings, MO Area?
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Jennings, 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: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is a class A felony. The former carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, while the latter can result in life imprisonment.
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This tier of domestic assault includes any endeavor to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is a class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault involves causing physical injury or knowingly causing physical pain or illness to a household or domestic member, or knowingly putting them in harm’s way or isolating them through negligent behavior. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.076, this degree of assault encompasses 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, carrying a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, unless you have a prior conviction of domestic assault, in which case it would be a class E felony.
It’s important to remember that the specifics of each case can vary drastically. Give the Jennings, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Jennings, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Jennings, MO area. You need these types of lawyers on your side for the best possible outcome in your case. After hiring one, you get the following advantages:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Jennings, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not the best option. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Jennings, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team conducts exhaustive investigations, gathers evidence, and identifies vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and skilled Jennings, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout your legal process. 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 diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by Jennings, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local Jennings, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Jennings, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Jennings, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the unique circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Jennings, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Jennings, MO:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Reach Out to the Top Jennings, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in the Jennings, MO area, it’s crucial to consult with 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.
Contact the Jennings, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.