Jefferson County Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Defending Clients When It Matters Most

Facing domestic violence charges can be demoralizing and frustrating. Whether you made a momentary mistake or have been wrongfully accused of domestic battery by an angry household member, you may face serious consequences that could haunt your life for years to come. With a domestic violence conviction, you could be forced to serve jail time, pay hefty fines, and live with a criminal record that impacts your quality of life.

However, there is still hope when fighting a domestic battery charge. With our talented legal team by your side, you can proceed with confidence as you confront your criminal charges. You can rely on our defense lawyers for excellent legal counsel that answers your questions and provides hope at this difficult time. We’ll fight false allegations and ensure law enforcement officials respect your Constitutional rights.

The domestic violence lawyers at Grafe & Batchelor understand how frustrating it is to have criminal charges brought against you. We have helped countless clients in their domestic violence cases and more. We know what it takes to win, and we’ll fight fearlessly for you both in and out of court.

Call us now to schedule your complimentary case review.

What Are Missouri’s Laws When It Comes to Domestic Violence?

Missouri has strict laws that prohibit domestic violence in any form. While it is appropriate to come down hard against criminals who abuse their family members, these laws are sometimes used too harshly against people who were wrongfully accused or made a simple mistake. It is essential to understand how Missouri’s laws work so you can adequately fight your criminal charges and get the best results possible in your case.

For example, unlike many other states, police officers are not required to make an arrest when alleged domestic violence victims call them. Additionally, spouses cannot be forced to testify against the other person in court, so prosecutors rely on third-party evidence to prove that domestic violence occurred. Since domestic violence is considered a criminal act, the person charged could be convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature of the crime.

When you or a loved one is facing domestic battery charges, you need help from a domestic violence lawyer who can explain the meaning of your charges and help get you favorable results. Reach out to Grafe & Batchelor for answers and support as you deal with accusations of domestic battery.

How Is Domestic Assault Defined in Jefferson County, MO?

Assault and domestic assault are very similar, but they have some key differences. It’s crucial to understand what constitutes domestic violence in Missouri so you can know how to construct your defense. One of your best resources is a domestic violence lawyer who can explain how the law impacts your unique charges.

Some key aspects of domestic assault in Missouri include:

• Knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical injury, pain, or illness to a victim
• Injuring a domestic victim using a dangerous instrument or weapon
• Committing the crime against a domestic victim, which may include a spouse, ex-spouse, child, parent, sibling, roommate, or romantic partner

If the prosecution cannot fully prove that the above is correct, we may be able to get your domestic violence charges lowered or dismissed. We’ll leave no stone unturned as we investigate your case and show that, according to Missouri law, there is no legal justification for maximum sentencing. The prosecution will not wait to build a case against you, so you should act quickly to defend yourself by calling Grafe & Batchelor immediately.

What Happens When the Police Get Involved in a Domestic Violence Case?

Police involvement often elevates a situation and can be frightening. You may wonder whether the police have the right or duty to arrest you, even if your family member is making unjustified accusations of physical abuse. Please remember that regardless of what law enforcement officers do or don’t say to you, you have rights that must be protected.

When a family member accuses you of unlawful physical contact or verbal abuse, the police could get called. Unlike other states, Missouri police officers are not required to make an arrest when they arrive on the scene. As the person being investigated, you should remain calm and cooperative while exercising your right to remain silent and speak with a criminal defense lawyer. Domestic violence is a serious crime, and it is crucial to protect your character image and act quickly to build a solid defense.

If your household member has accused you of violent crimes, please call our Jefferson County criminal defense team right away. We’ll advise you on interacting with police officers so you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself. We’ll also conduct our investigation to provide you with a strong defense that gives you the best chance at favorable results. 

What Penalties Could I Face for a Domestic Abuse Conviction in Jefferson County?

The penalties for a domestic violence conviction vary depending on the nature of the charges. For example, if you are charged with aggravated domestic battery, you could face heftier penalties than someone with a simpler charge. Furthermore, repeat offenders may find it harder to get a lower penalty than someone who has committed only one act of domestic battery.

Some examples of potential consequences based on various domestic violence charges include the following:

• Fourth-degree domestic assault – This charge typically involves causing fear or recklessly endangering another person, risking death or severe injury. A fourth-degree domestic assault charge could result in up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenders could face Class E felony charges, which include up to four years in prison and fines of no more than $10,000
• Third-degree domestic violence – These charges are used in cases where the person attempted to cause severe harm or pain, even if they failed to achieve that end. A third-degree domestic violence conviction is considered a Class E felony and is punishable by up to four years of imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines
• Second-degree domestic violence – Domestic violence in the second degree occurs when the aggressor knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury, including through strangulation or the use of deadly weapons. These are Class D felony charges that can result in severe penalties such as up to seven years imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000
• First-degree domestic violence – Knowingly inflicting serious harm or attempting to kill a domestic victim is considered domestic violence in the first degree in Missouri. These charges can result in Class B or A felony charges, including up to 30 years or even life in prison

Whether your domestic battery charges are considered minor or severe, you should take them seriously. Even a misdemeanor on your record can impact your ability to get professional licensing, keep custody of your children, find a job, and get housing. With our attorneys by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands and you’ll get the most favorable outcome possible. 

What Strategies Are Effective for Defeating a Domestic Battery Charge?

When you or a loved one is facing domestic battery charges in Missouri, please remember that there is always hope through a solid criminal defense. With the help of a lawyer who is experienced with domestic violence cases, you can achieve the results you’re looking for. Our attorneys will listen carefully to your concerns and circumstances so we can craft the perfect defense that protects your rights and gets you minimal sentencing. We are often able to get domestic violence cases thrown out altogether.

Some examples of common defenses to consider when facing domestic battery charges include:

• Self-defense
• Mistaken identity
• Lack of evidence
• Consent
• Police misconduct
• Mental illness
• Acting under duress or threat of harm

Contacting a law firm is one of the best ways to fight a domestic violence charge. We will use all of our determination, effort, and honesty to prove that you did not cause or intend to cause bodily harm to the alleged victim. Our domestic battery attorneys will fight for you no matter what obstacles arise in your case. Call our caring, capable legal team to schedule your free consultation.

What Are Aggravated Domestic Abuse Charges?

Aggravating factors typically refer to details that can result in a harsher punishment than would usually be applied for similar charges. In a Missouri domestic violence case, aggravated domestic battery can result in years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. In Jefferson County, these cases are often charged as second or first-degree domestic battery.

Some examples of factors that could lead to an aggravated domestic battery conviction are:

• Attempting to kill a domestic victim
• Attempting to cause serious injury or cause bodily harm to the alleged victim
• Using deadly weapons to threaten or harm a household member
• Engaging in sex crimes with a minor
• Prior convictions

Facing charges for aggravated domestic battery can be discouraging, but please don’t give up. There is still a chance to make your voice heard and seek justice in your domestic battery case. With a trusted law firm by your side, you can prove that you don’t deserve the maximum punishment for your charges. We may even be able to get all charges dropped through our excellent criminal defense services.

When Should I Call a Lawyer About Domestic Violence Charges?

The best time to call a law office is the soonest moment possible after being arrested or charged with domestic violence. In many domestic violence cases, the prosecutor wants to appear tough on the domestic criminal, so they work tirelessly to put the person behind bars and get the maximum sentencing possible. Unfortunately, this can lead to innocent people suffering needlessly in the criminal justice system.

When you hire a domestic violence attorney like those at Grafe & Batchelor, you’ll get protection from police misconduct. You can ask questions and get honest answers about your chances of a positive outcome and the best way to proceed. You can also rest assured that you’ll have powerful, dedicated allies in your court who will watch out for your best interests at every turn of events.

Some other benefits of hiring a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney include:

• Personalized advice based on your unique case
• Detailed investigation to uncover evidence that backs up your story
• Protection of your Constitutional rights
• Allies both in and out of the courtroom
• Greater chances of having your charges reduced or thrown out altogether

Contact our compassionate, experienced legal team for help crafting a defense that matches your situation and goals. You can reach us at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation. 

Should You Hire Our Jefferson County Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?

Whether this is your first offense or if you have a criminal history, you should take your charges seriously by speaking with a lawyer right away. However, using a lawyer who is not familiar with criminal defense or willing to fight for you will likely not get the results you’re looking for. Hiring the right law office is critical with so much at stake.

When you call Grafe & Batchelor, you’ll get your questions answered by lawyers who have decades of experience helping individuals fight criminal charges. We will search diligently for holes in the prosecution’s arguments to get you minimal sentencing whenever possible. We’ll also hold police officers accountable for how they treat you, especially if they violate your rights during the investigation or arrest.

Please don’t wait any longer to call and get the legal counsel and representation you need when fighting a domestic violence charge.

Call Grafe & Batchelor today at 636-933-9151 for a confidential consultation with our helpful, compassionate legal team.