St. Louis, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in St. Louis, MO? 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’re facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around St. Louis, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-strings-attached 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, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the St. Louis, MO area for over four decades. 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, MO

If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in St. Louis, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:

• Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in St. Louis, MO 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 adept legal team will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in St. Louis, MO.
• Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to St. Louis, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential 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 St. Louis, 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 concerns or uncertainties.

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

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In St. Louis, MO, instances of domestic violence may involve:

• 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, coercion, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-esteem 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.
• Financial Domination: Controlling or withholding financial resources, withholding access to money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to exert power and control.
• Child Abuse: Any form of mistreatment, 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. Louis, MO Area?

The repercussions of domestic violence in and around St. Louis, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior 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: 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 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 attempt to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is a class C felony, carrying 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, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This offense constitutes a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
• Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to 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 constitutes 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 important to remember that the specifics of each case can vary drastically. Call the St. Louis, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the St. Louis, 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 Expertise: Domestic violence cases in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, 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 the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable St. Louis, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded 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 attorney will diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by St. Louis, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Knowledge of Local St. Louis, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the St. Louis, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
• Minimization of Consequences: A proficient lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in St. Louis, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of 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. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right away 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 St. Louis, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in St. Louis, MO:

• 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. Louis, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing domestic violence allegations in or around St. Louis, MO, it’s crucial 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.

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