St. Louis County, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the St. Louis County, MO area? These are grave charges that can have substantial consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.

If you’re confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around St. Louis County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call 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, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the St. Louis County, MO area for more than 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering dedication to our clients’ rights and freedoms.

Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in St. Louis County, MO

Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence in St. Louis County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:

• Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in St. Louis County, MO can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent 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 will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the St. Louis County, MO legal process.
• Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to St. Louis County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avert 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. Louis 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 Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in St. Louis County, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the St. Louis County, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:

• Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. This includes actions such as hitting, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
• Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, 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, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
• Financial Domination: Exercising control over financial resources, preventing access to money or assets, obstructing 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 St. Louis County, MO

Penalties for domestic violence in and around St. Louis County, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity 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 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 degree 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 a class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment.
• Third Degree Domestic Assault: As outlined in 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 offense constitutes a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
• 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 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 crucial to bear in mind that the specifics of each case can significantly differ. Give the St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled St. Louis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in the St. Louis 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 Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in St. Louis 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 proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local St. Louis County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
• Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will develop 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 may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable St. Louis 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 work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near St. Louis County, MO.
• Familiarity with Local St. Louis County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the St. Louis County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
• Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of St. Louis County, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than 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 specific circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in St. Louis 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 Top St. Louis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing domestic violence charges in the St. Louis County, MO area, it’s imperative to consult with 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.

Call the St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.