Domestic violence defense attorneys in Lexington, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Lexington, MO area? These are grave charges that carry significant consequences, potentially resulting in the loss of employment, custody of your children, or even your including the possibility of losing your job, losing custody of your children, or even your VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Lexington, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. During this confidential meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the particulars of your case directly with one of our experienced attorneys.
Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Lexington, MO area for over 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Lexington, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Lexington, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in Lexington, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent 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 will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Lexington, MO legal process.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Lexington, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to prevent self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. While your Lexington, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any critical 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 Lexington, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Lexington, MO area, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. This includes actions such as striking, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, isolation, or exerting control 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: Exercising control over financial resources, preventing access to money or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to assert dominance.
- Child Abuse: Any form of mistreatment, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Lexington, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Lexington, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any relevant 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 encompasses attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This is 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 endeavor to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing 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 in prison.
- 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 constitutes 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 intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Lexington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Lexington, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Lexington, 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 benefits:
- Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Lexington, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not suggested. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Lexington, MO and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will craft 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 may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable Lexington, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure 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 lawyer will diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by Lexington, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local Lexington, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Lexington, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Lexington, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, in lieu of incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the unique circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Lexington, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Lexington, MO:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Connect With the Leading Lexington, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence charges in the Lexington, MO vicinity, 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 professionals 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 Lexington, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.