Domestic violence defense attorneys in Montgomery County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Montgomery County, MO area? These are grave charges that can have substantial 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 Montgomery 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 reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation 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 defended the innocence of clients in Montgomery County, MO and across Missouri for over 40 years. Our exceptional 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 Montgomery County, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Montgomery County, MO, it’s imperative to promptly take action 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 Montgomery County, MO area 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 skilled attorneys will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in Montgomery County, MO.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Montgomery 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: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. While your Montgomery County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any critical updates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.
Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Montgomery County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Montgomery County, MO, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes striking, 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-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Misconduct: 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, withholding access to funds or assets, sabotaging 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.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Montgomery County, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Montgomery 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.
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 encompasses attempts to cause or knowingly inflict serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is 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 tier 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, which carries 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 offense constitutes 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 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 intricacies of each case can vary substantially. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Montgomery County, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Montgomery County, 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 Montgomery 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 Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Montgomery County, 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 suggested. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Montgomery County, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 in the prosecution’s case. This may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Montgomery 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 diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Montgomery County, MO.
- Familiarity with Local Montgomery County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Montgomery County, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be vital in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Montgomery County, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, in lieu of 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 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 leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Montgomery County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Montgomery County, MO:
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
- Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
- Traffic Ticket Lawyer
- Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
- Speeding Ticket Lawyer
Reach Out to the Leading Montgomery County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in the Montgomery County, MO area, 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.
Contact the Montgomery County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
