A St. Louis domestic violence attorney is needed when you are being abused by your partner or in some cases when you have been the victim of domestic violence as a child. Domestic violence is defined as unlawful behavior committed by one party (men, women, children, and couples) involving an immediate family member. The law in Missouri doesn’t distinguish between first degree domestic violence or simple battery or intentional burning of a cigarette by a perpetrator that results in death or injury. Domestic violence is simply the broad umbrella term used to define intentional and malicious actions taken against a family member and/or household member.
When the alleged perpetrator is facing a St. Louis domestic violence attorney, the first thing that he or she will do is to assess the situation for legal liability and possible remedies. Depending on the alleged perpetrator’s state of residence and age, the laws and the constitution that are keyed in will vary. First, the level of assault will vary from state to state. Secondly, there may be some harsh penalties associated with the crime depending on the location of the incident and the state in which the event occurred. Finally, there could also be additional charges such as if the alleged perpetrator used a weapon during the commission of the crime.
In cases where there are no domestic violence charges but criminal charges are filed against the same individual or couple, the first step to legal action would be to seek an appointment with a St. Louis criminal defense lawyer. The St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney will be able to determine whether or not there is probable cause to charge the individual with a crime. If the case is considered a criminal matter, then it is essential that the legal representation that the couple is seeking is from a criminal defense lawyer. While the state may not have jurisdiction over some aspects of a criminal case, it does have jurisdiction over the elements that are present in the underlying case. Therefore, in many instances the St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney will be able to prevent the immediate filing of criminal charges. Check out our website at www.stlouisdivorcelawyers.net/domestic-violence-attorney/
to learn more about helping victims of domestic violence.
Once the St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney has determined that there is probable cause to move forward with a criminal complaint, then he will make contact with the prosecuting attorney in the case. In many cases, the St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney will work closely with his or her criminal defense law firm, working together to draft the appropriate charges and recommend the disposition of the case. The St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney will represent the victim in all matters pertaining to the case including his or her representation at any hearing involving his or her case. The St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney will often serve as the victim’s counsel unless the client is a defendant in a criminal case. Regardless of who is representing the victim, the St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney will ensure that the case is handled in a manner that ensures the maximum amount of safety and security for the victim and the community.
Once the St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney has decided on the appropriate charge to bring to the court, the actual legal action can begin. While every St. Louis domestic crime is different, the majority of crimes will involve some type of weapon. In addition to seeking criminal charges against the offender, the victim may also choose to seek civil action by seeking a compensation suit from the person or company that is responsible for the offense. The goal of the victim and the St. Louis Domestic Violence Attorney is to seek the most effective results by seeking the right legal action in the right situation. Whether the case involves a St. Louis civil lawsuit or a St. Louis criminal lawsuit, the key issue is to bring about the best possible results for the victim and the community.
If you feel that you or a family member is suffering from abuse, you should contact one of the St. Louis domestic violence attorneys. These lawyers will be able to provide you with the assistance you need to obtain a protection order against your abuser. Protecting your safety and those around you is an important issue. A protected order gives you the power to secure financial and legal support from the person who is responsible for your safety.