St. Francois County, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Francois County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the St. Francois County, MO area? These are grave charges 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 St. Francois County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys immediately 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 a distinguished criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients in St. Francois County, MO and across Missouri for over four decades. Our unparalleled track 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 St. Francois County, MO

If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near St. Francois County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:

• Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in the St. Francois County, MO area 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 will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in St. Francois County, MO.
• Assert Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to St. Francois County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first 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 St. Francois County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any crucial updates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in St. Francois County, MO

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

• Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
• Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control 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 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 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.

What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the St. Francois County, MO Area?

The repercussions of domestic violence in and around St. Francois County, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any relevant 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: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any 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. 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 endeavor to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing 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 imprisonment.
• 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 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 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 specifics of each case can vary drastically. Give the St. Francois County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in St. Francois County, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the St. Francois 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 Expertise: Domestic violence cases in St. Francois County, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve 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 St. Francois County, MO and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
• Strategic Defense: A skilled 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 witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and skilled St. Francois 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 work to prevent any violations of your rights by St. Francois County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Familiarity with Local St. Francois County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the St. Francois County, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be vital in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
• Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in St. Francois County, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than jail time. 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 right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled St. Francois County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in St. Francois County and anywhere in Missouri:

• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Juvenile Defense Lawyer
• Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer
• Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
• Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Connect With the Leading St. Francois County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you find yourself confronting allegations in the St. Francois County, MO area, 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 St. Francois County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.