Domestic violence defense attorneys in Macon County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in Macon County, MO? These are serious allegations 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’re confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Macon County, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible 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 a distinguished criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Macon 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 Macon County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Macon County, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in Macon County, MO can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent 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, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Macon County, MO legal process.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Macon County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital 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 Macon County, 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 Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Macon County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Macon County, MO area, 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, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-esteem 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 and unwanted monitoring, surveillance, following, or harassment that causes fear, anxiety, or emotional distress.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, preventing access to funds or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to exert power and control.
- 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.
Macon County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Macon County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Macon County, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Macon County, MO vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, 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.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence encompasses attempts to cause or knowingly inflict 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. .
- 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 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 is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Governed by RSMo § 565.076, this degree of assault includes any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to a household or family member. 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 specifics of each case can significantly differ. Give the Macon County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Macon County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Macon County, MO legal process. 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 Macon County, 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 boasts a profound understanding of the local Macon County, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 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 knowledgeable Macon County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure 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 question witnesses against you. Your attorney will diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Macon County, MO.
- Familiarity with Local Macon County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Macon County, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimization of Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Macon County, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, in lieu of incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable 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 top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Macon County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Macon 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 Macon County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in or around Macon County, MO, it’s imperative to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation. Your freedom and reputation hang in the balance. You work hard; so should your lawyers. You need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Contact the Macon County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.