Smithville, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in Smithville, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Smithville, 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 have served your country.

If you’re confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Smithville, 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-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.

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 Smithville, MO area for over 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.

What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Smithville, MO

Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Smithville, 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:

• Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in the Smithville, MO area can be daunting and emotional. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid 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 will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Smithville, MO legal process.
• Assert Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Smithville, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential 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 Smithville, 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.

Situations When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Smithville, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Smithville, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:

• 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: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
• Sexual Misconduct: 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 money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence 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.

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

The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Smithville, MO can vary significantly based on factors like 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

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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 includes any 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. 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 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, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
• Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault involves 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: Under RSMo § 565.076, this level 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, 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 Smithville, MO domestic violence defense attorneys 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 Smithville, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 has a deep understanding of the local Smithville, 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 conducts exhaustive investigations, gathers evidence, and identifies vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protecting Your Rights: An adept and skilled Smithville, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure 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 work to prevent any infringements on your rights by Smithville, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Familiarity with Local Smithville, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Smithville, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be vital in constructing an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
• Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of Smithville, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like 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 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. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Smithville, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing domestic violence charges in or around Smithville, MO, 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.

Call the Smithville, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.