Domestic Violence Attorney in Thayer, Missouri

Domestic violence charges can seriously damage your future. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you could face punishments like fines, anger management classes, or even jail time. With so much on the line, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed.

Your rights need to be protected throughout this process—and you’ll need skilled legal counsel to help shoulder the burden. At The Law Office of Fred O’Neill, I’m ready to guide you through the legal process if you are faced with charges of domestic violence. I am passionate about helping my clients find justice and I use my extensive experience as a Missouri criminal defense attorney to strive for the outcomes they need. I’m proud to serve clients in Thayer, Missouri, as well as West Plains, the Ozarks, and all of North Central Arkansas.

Domestic Violence in Missouri

In Missouri, domestic violence is defined as threatening to or actually causing physical injury to a domestic victim, which is typically a household member or someone who the accused was previously in a domestic relationship with.

Examples of the type of people who are considered domestic victims include a current or former spouse, a co-parent, blood relatives, relatives by marriage, current or former people the accused has lived with, and current or former romantic partners.

Provisions of the Law

There are four degrees of domestic assault in Missouri. A fourth-degree domestic assault charge is the least serious of the charges. A first-degree domestic assault charge is the most serious, and means that the accused either attempted to kill or knowingly caused serious physical injury to a domestic victim. Domestic violence charges in Missouri can also be brought for stalking, invasion of privacy, unlawful posting of certain information over the internet, child abduction, parental kidnapping, interference with custody, and harassment.

Possible Consequences & Penalties

There are a range of possible consequences and penalties for domestic violence charges. The more serious the charge is, the more serious the consequence will be. These consequences may include:

• jail

• fines

• loss of firearms

• anger management classes

• loss of parenting privileges/custody

• deportation

If you have previously been convicted of domestic assault, the consequences for any new charges will be an increase in felony class, which results in more serious consequences. Consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine what the penalties are in your particular situation.

Domestic Violence Defenses

If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is important that you craft a strong defense. An experienced defense lawyer will listen to your story and help you build your case.

Falsely Accused

It is possible that you have been falsely accused and did not commit the crime that you are being charged with. If this sounds like your situation, let’s work together to build your case on the basis that you were falsely accused.

Self-Defense

In some instances, you must carry out self-defense to protect yourself. A knowledgeable attorney can help you build your defense on the basis that you were practicing self-defense.

Lack of Intent

If the act of violence—or threatened act of violence—was not your intention, you may be able to defend your case on the basis of lack of intent. A criminal defense attorney can help you develop this defense.