Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the St. Louis area? These are serious allegations that can have lasting implications, including the possibility of losing your job, losing custody of your children, or even losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Greater St. Louis, act quickly 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 attorney.
Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the St. Louis area for more than 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in St. Louis
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in St. Louis, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations anywhere in the St. Louis 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: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in St. Louis.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avoid 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. Your domestic violence defense attorneys will obviously keep you in the loop, but be sure to keep all lines of communication open so as to not miss anything important. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in St. Louis
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In St. Louis, domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: 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. Louis Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around St. Louis vary greatly depending on the severity 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: 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 is a class B felony unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is 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 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 in prison.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is 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 is a class A misdemeanor, which carries 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 Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in St. Louis?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the St. Louis 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 benefits:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in St. Louis can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not the best option. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local St. Louis and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses 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 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 violations of your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local St. Louis, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the St. Louis court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of St. Louis domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like 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 specific circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Reach Out to the Leading St. Louis Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence charges in or around St. Louis, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation. 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 domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
