Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence is always a serious problem, and it’s always crucial to get the help you need from an experienced criminal defense attorney. I have bee representing both men and women charged with domestic violence since the beginning of my career. If you are a accused of domestic violence in the state of Missouri, it is essential to know your rights and what resources are available to help you. Here are some things you need to know about Missouri’s domestic violence laws:
How the Missouri Domestic Violence Laws Have Changed
Previously, domestic violence laws in Missouri only covered physical abuse, but the new laws expanded the definition to include any type of physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse.
The new laws also increased the penalties for domestic violence, making it a felony offense in some cases. In addition, the new laws created a statewide domestic violence hotline and required law enforcement to take a more active role in investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases.
The law also recognizes domestic violence as a serious crime, and police are trained to respond to these situations appropriately.
The Difference Between Domestic and Regular Assault
In Missouri, there are two types of assault: domestic assault and regular assault. Domestic assault is a specific type of assault between family or household members or between current or former dating partners. Regular assault is any other type of assault that does not fall under the domestic assault category.
The main difference between domestic and regular assault is the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. In domestic assault cases, the victim and perpetrator are typically family members or have a close personal relationship. In contrast, in regular assault cases, the victim and perpetrator may not have any relationship at all.
Another difference between domestic and regular assault is the penalties that may be imposed. Domestic assault is typically considered a more serious offense than regular assault; thus, the penalties for domestic assault are usually more severe.
If you have been charged with assault, it is crucial to understand the difference between domestic and regular assault so that you can be properly prepared to defend yourself in court. That is where an experienced criminal defense attorney can help.
The Mandatory Arrest Law in Missouri
In Missouri, there is a mandatory arrest law in place for certain domestic violence offenses. That means if the police are called to a domestic violence incident and have probable cause to believe that violence has been committed, they must make an arrest.
There are a few exceptions to this law, such as if the victim does not want to press charges or if the offender can convince the police that there was no offense committed. However, in general, the police must arrest the suspected perpetrator if they have probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed.
This law is in place to help protect victims of domestic violence. Often, victims are afraid to call the police because they do not want their abuser to be arrested. However, with this law in place, the victim can be assured that the police will take action and make an arrest if they believe an offense has been committed.
Conclusion
These laws can be complex, and it is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney if you are facing charges of domestic violence. I am that attorney. I know how to handle your domestic violence case so that it has the least possible impact on you. Missouri’s domestic violence laws are constantly evolving, and it is crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and developments.
Should you be involved in a domestic assault and need a criminal defense attorney in St. Charles, I can get it done right. I am an award-winning & highly-rated criminal defense attorney with more than 40 years of experience.
Wayne Schoeneberg Domestic Violence Attorney St. Charles