Domestic violence defense attorneys in Scott County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Scott County, MO? These are serious allegations that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re facing domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Scott County, 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 contact 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 Scott County, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering dedication to our clients’ rights and freedoms.
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Scott County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Scott County, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in Scott County, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our adept legal team will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Scott County, MO legal process.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Scott County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avoid 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 Scott County, 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 uncertainties or concerns.
Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Scott County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Scott County, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- 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: Tactics such as 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.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, preventing access to funds or assets, sabotaging 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 familial or household context.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Scott County, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Scott County, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence may entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Counseling/Treatment Programs
- 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 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 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, 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: 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 constitutes 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 important to remember that the intricacies of each case can significantly differ. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Scott County, MO 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 Scott County, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Scott 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 benefits:
- Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Scott County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not suggested. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Scott County, MO and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances 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 the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and skilled Scott County, 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 question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Scott County, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Scott County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Scott County, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of Scott County, MO domestic violence charges. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Scott County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Scott County and anywhere in Missouri:
Reach Out to the Leading Scott County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in or around Scott County, MO, it’s imperative to seek counsel from a 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 need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Contact the Scott County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.