Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the St. Louis, MO area? These are serious allegations that carry significant consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you are facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around St. Louis, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 defended the innocence of clients throughout the St. Louis, 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.
Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in St. Louis, MO
Should you find yourself 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:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations 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 offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in St. Louis, MO.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to St. Louis, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential 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. 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 uncertainties or concerns.
Situations 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 could include:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: 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: Exercising control over financial resources, withholding access to funds or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to assert dominance.
- 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.
St. Louis City Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in St. Louis, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around St. Louis, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, 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 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. .
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any endeavor 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, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
- 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: Governed by 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 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 crucial to bear in mind that the specifics of each case can vary substantially. Give the St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as 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 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. Louis, 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 attorney will work to prevent any infringements on your rights by St. Louis, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local St. Louis, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the St. Louis, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in St. Louis, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as 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 unique circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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:
Connect With the Top St. Louis, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in the St. Louis, MO vicinity, it’s imperative to consult with a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal professionals who are as committed to your case as you are. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.
Contact the St. Louis, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.