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Fight Your Missouri Domestic Assault Charge
Arrested for Domestic Assault in Missouri?
In Missouri, Domestic Assault laws apply when the victim is a "family or household member or an adult who is or has been in a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the actor." A Missouri Domestic Assault is a serious criminal charge that can have serious consequences. Take advantage of my free consultation to help yourself make an informed decision about how to best defend your legal rights.
Domestic cases need to be defended carefully, since prosecutors are often not willing to drop the charges even when the evidence is thin, and the witness is not willing to testify.
However, there are still many excellent defense options for people falsely accused of domestic assault or violence. And there may be opportunities to get the charges reduced or dropped in exchange for anger management classes or other counseling.
These cases are definitely tricky, and you'll need an experienced Missouri defense lawyer to give yourself the best chance for a positive outcome on your case. Call me to discuss your particularly situation, and I'll let you know how I can help. You have nothing to lose by calling. I'll give you some free advice either way. Call now to speak to a St. Louis or Kansas City area attorney at (866) 382-8646.
Missouri Criminal Statutes- Excerpt
Domestic assault, first degree
First degree laws apply if the person:
- Attempt to kill or knowingly causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to the victim
Domestic assault in the first (1st) degree is a class B felony in Missouri, or a class A felony if the victim is seriously injured.
Domestic assault, second degree
2nd degree laws apply if the person:
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to such family or household member by any means, including but not limited to, by use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or by choking or strangulation; or
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury
- Recklessly causes physical injury by means of any deadly weapon.
Domestic assault in the second (2nd) degree is a class C felony in Missouri.
Domestic assault, third degree
3rd degree laws apply if the person:
- With criminal negligence causes physical injury to such family or household member by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or
- places the victim in apprehension of immediate physical injury by any means; or
- recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury to such family or household member; or
- knowingly causes physical contact with such family or household member knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive; or
- knowingly attempts to cause or causes the isolation of such family or household member by unreasonably and substantially restricting or limiting such family or household member's access to other persons, telecommunication devices or transportation for the purpose of isolation.
According to Missouri Criminal Laws, Domestic assault in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor, unless it is a third or subsequent offense, in which case it is a Class D felony.