Shelby County, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in Shelby County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Shelby County, MO area? 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’ve served your country.

If you are confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Shelby County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to safeguard 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, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Shelby County, MO area for more than four decades. Our exceptional 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 Shelby County, MO

If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Shelby County, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:

• Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in the Shelby County, MO area can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid 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, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Shelby County, MO legal process.
• Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Shelby County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avert 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Shelby County, MO area, 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, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
• Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem 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: Controlling or withholding 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 familial or household context.

What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Shelby County, MO Area?

Penalties for domestic violence in and around Shelby County, MO can vary significantly based on factors like 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 kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This offense is classified as 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 tier 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, 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 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 in prison.
• Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to 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 constitutes 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 intricacies of each case can vary substantially. Call the Shelby County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Shelby County, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Shelby County, MO legal process. Engaging such experienced legal representation is pivotal for securing the most favorable outcome in your case. After retaining their services, you gain access to the following advantages:

• Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Shelby 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 has a deep understanding of the local Shelby 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 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.
• Protection of Your Rights: An adept and skilled Shelby 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 lawyer will diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by Shelby County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Knowledge of Local Shelby County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Shelby 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 attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of Shelby County, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. 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. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call now 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 Shelby County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Shelby County, MO:

• Crime Defense Lawyers
• 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 Top Shelby County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Shelby County, MO vicinity, it’s imperative 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 Shelby County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.