Jefferson County, MO Violent Crimes Attorneys

Defending Your Rights and Reputation

Violent crimes are crimes where the aggressor uses force or violence or threatens victims with the use of force or violence. According to Missouri’s Department of Public Safety, an average of 27,000 violent criminal acts are committed within the state’s boundaries every year. Of these, an average of 10,000 offenders are apprehended.

The actions of the offenders can frequently result in the death of the victims, while others leave victims impoverished, emotionally scarred, and physically injured.

The state of Missouri is strict with these crimes. Sentencing and punitive measures handed out to the perpetrators illustrate that seriousness. If you have been accused of violent crimes in Missouri and are convicted, you may end up going to jail for a long time.

That is why you need competent violent crimes attorneys in Jefferson County, MO, to represent you and offer legal advice. At Grafe & Batchelor, we’re violent crime defense lawyers with violent crimes case experience.

We offer competent legal counsel and representation in the event of these charges. Contact us at 636-933-9151 today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

What are Violent Crimes in Jefferson County, MO?

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has a list of violent offenses that it considers violent crimes. These include:

• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Armed robbery
• Rape
• Aggravated assault
• Kidnapping
• Human trafficking
• Manslaughter and Murder

Child abuse is a complicated accusation because there’s often a thin line between child discipline and outright abuse. Discipline, particularly from a parent, can often be made to look like abuse. If you’re convicted, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

Domestic violence is any form of physical or emotional abuse of a family member that results in significant harm to the victim. Examples of this include stalking, physical assault, harassment, threats, and even neglect.

Armed robbery or aggravated robbery is the attempt to steal another person’s property/possessions while using dangerous weapons or items made to look like weapons. If you’re found guilty of this crime, you will be charged with a felony.

Rape is the act of forcing another person to have sexual intercourse against their will. This can be with the use of substances that prevent them from giving informed consent, and it can also be with the use of force.

Aggravated Assault is when an individual intentionally causes or tries to inflict bodily injury on the victim or kill them. This is a felony in the state of Missouri.

Kidnapping is the act of forcibly and unlawfully removing, luring, or confining someone against their will. It also often involves holding someone hostage, holding them for reward or ransom, terrorizing the victim, and/or using them as a shield to escape in the event of a confrontation with law enforcement. This is typically charged as a felony.

Human trafficking is another form of kidnapping, but different in the sense that the victims are often kidnapped for the purpose of sale or transactions. This is also a felony offense.

Murder is the act of knowingly taking someone’s life. There is first- and second-degree murder. First-degree involves killing someone after due consideration and deliberation. Second degree involves inflicting serious bodily harm and injury on someone with the action unintentionally resulting in death.

Violent Crimes Penalties in Missouri

While Missouri already has harsh penalties in place for these crimes, lawmakers are looking to enhance these laws so as to ensure even stricter punishments for all perpetrators. The penalties for violent crimes include some of the following:

• Child abuse= Misdemeanor or felony (depending on the circumstances surrounding the event)
• Domestic violence= Misdemeanor or felony (depending on the severity and the evidence of previous convictions)
• Armed robbery= Felony
• Rape= Dangerous felony
• Aggravated assault= Misdemeanor or felony (depending on the circumstances)
• Kidnapping= Felony
• Human trafficking= Felony
• Manslaughter and Murder= Felony

Depending on the crime, penalties can involve the payment of fines up to $10,000 and jail terms up to 30 years. In extreme cases such as murder, the accused can get life imprisonment.

Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Charges in Jefferson County

Being charged with a violent crime does not mean you will be convicted — and the defense strategy your attorney builds around the specific facts of your case can mean the difference between prison time and walking away with your freedom.

Every violent crime charge requires the prosecution to prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Jefferson County violent crimes attorneys identify the weakest points in the state’s case and build a defense that exploits them.

Approaches We Use to Defend Clients

• Self-defense. Missouri law recognizes your right to use reasonable force to protect yourself or others from imminent physical harm. If the evidence shows you were responding to a genuine threat rather than initiating violence, self-defense can result in a complete acquittal.
• Challenging witness credibility. Many violent crime cases rely heavily on witness testimony that may be inconsistent, biased, or motivated by personal conflicts. Cross-examination that exposes these inconsistencies can create reasonable doubt.
• Disputing the evidence. Forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and physical evidence must be properly collected, preserved, and analyzed. If law enforcement made procedural errors or the chain of custody was broken, your attorney can file motions to suppress that evidence.
• Mistaken identity. In chaotic situations involving multiple people, the wrong person is sometimes arrested. Alibi evidence, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can establish that you were not the individual who committed the offense.
• Negotiating reduced charges. When going to trial carries significant risk, negotiating a plea to a lesser offense can dramatically reduce the penalties you face — potentially converting a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crime Charges in Missouri

Can I be charged with a violent crime even if no one was physically injured?

Yes. Missouri law recognizes attempted violent crimes and threats of violence as chargeable offenses. An aggravated assault charge, for example, can be filed based on an attempt to cause bodily injury, even if no physical contact occurred. Criminal threats and intimidation can also result in charges that carry serious penalties depending on the circumstances.

How long can I go to prison for a violent crime conviction in Missouri?

Sentences range from days in county jail to life imprisonment depending on the offense. Misdemeanor assault may carry up to one year, while felony offenses like armed robbery or aggravated assault can result in 10 to 30 years. First-degree murder carries a potential sentence of life without parole. Prior convictions, use of a weapon, and the severity of injury to the victim all affect where within these ranges your sentence falls.

Will a violent crime charge show up on my record even if I’m not convicted?

The arrest will appear on background checks unless you take steps to have it expunged or sealed. Even without a conviction, an arrest for a violent offense can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. If your charges are dismissed or you’re acquitted, our attorneys can help you pursue expungement to clear your record.

Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of a violent crime?

No — beyond identifying yourself, you should exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, and statements made under stress are frequently taken out of context by prosecutors. Having your attorney present before answering any questions protects you from inadvertently damaging your own defense.

Can domestic violence charges be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?

Not necessarily. In Missouri, the decision to prosecute rests with the prosecutor’s office, not the alleged victim. Even if the victim recants or refuses to cooperate, the state can proceed with charges using other evidence such as police reports, photographs, 911 recordings, and witness statements.

How Can Grafe & Batchelor Defend You?

If you have been charged with any of these crimes, you need to hire experienced criminal defense lawyers in Jefferson County, MO, like Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law, to defend your case.

Violent crimes tend to be charged as felonies, this could mean hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. We’re experienced violent crimes lawyers in Festus, MO, and have over 30 years of experience defending cases like this.

We’re committed to representing you during this trying period. Don’t waste any more time. Call us today at 636-933-9151 today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.