Domestic violence defense attorneys in Lincoln County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Lincoln County, MO? These are grave charges that can have lasting implications, 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 are confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Lincoln County, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys immediately 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, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients in Lincoln County, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. 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 Lincoln County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Lincoln County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the Lincoln County, MO area can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid escalating the situation any further.
- Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Lincoln County, MO.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Lincoln County, 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. Your Lincoln 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.
Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Lincoln County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In Lincoln County, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- 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: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, encompassing offenses such as 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, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency 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.
Lincoln County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lincoln County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Lincoln County, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Lincoln County, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, 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.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- 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 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, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is 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 offense constitutes a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.076, this level 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 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 specifics of each case can vary substantially. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Lincoln County, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Lincoln County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Lincoln County, 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 Lincoln County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is ill-advised. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Lincoln County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable 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 could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and skilled Lincoln County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout your legal process. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by Lincoln County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local Lincoln County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Lincoln County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Lincoln County, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like 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. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Lincoln County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Lincoln County and anywhere in Missouri:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Reach Out to the Top Lincoln County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence charges in or around Lincoln County, MO, it’s imperative to consult with a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation hang in the balance. You work hard; so should your lawyers. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.
Call the Lincoln County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.