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Domestic Violence

Child Abuse

Child abuse charges in Missouri carry up to 10 years in prison and loss of parental rights. Call JMH Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation with our St. Louis defense attorneys.

Child Abuse Defense Attorneys in St. Louis

Speak With Us for FREE – 314-827-6222

Accused of Child Abuse in Missouri? - (314) 827-6222

Have you been accused of child abuse? You need to act fast to start correcting the situation and defending yourself. If you do not take the right steps, you could be both convicted of a serious crime by the criminal justice system and stripped of parental rights by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division.

Penalties used in child abuse convictions can include:

  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Removal of any chance of parole if imprisoned
  • Elimination of child custody and parental rights

Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at JMH Law Firm, LLC know how to construct sturdy defenses against all kinds of criminal charges, including domestic violence and child abuse. There are always multiple sides to every case, and you deserve to share yours. As a team, our law firm has incredible legal insight that benefits our clients when times are tough.

Request a free consultation to start your child abuse defense case today.

Missouri’s Definition of Abuse & Neglect

The details of a child abuse case are often intricate and defining of how the case develops. You need a clear and total understanding of the situation as it is seen by the criminal justice system if you want to defend against the charges or accusations.

Three key legal definitions to consider in your Missouri child abuse defense case:

  • Child: Any person under the age of 18. Child abuse does not necessarily have to be inflicted upon a small, defenseless child. The charge can only be filed against someone 17 years or older, though.
  • Abuse: Inflicting any sort of physical, mental, emotional, or sexual injury to the child. Intent is not always a factor in child abuse cases.
  • Neglect: Failing to provide reasonably or responsibly for a child in terms of care, custody, and control, and in a way that prevents physical or mental harm.

It is especially important to realize that child abuse does not always include physical harm. You could be accused of and charged for child abuse simply for yelling harshly at your child for a form of discipline.

Steadfast Defense Against Harsh Accusations & Staunch Opposition

Child abuse cases are often started by the reports of family members who claim to witness the abuse, perhaps exaggerating or falsifying what they saw or heard to the police. As a result, it can be precarious to try to form a defense that does not further dismantle personal relationships. However, you must prioritize your own future and do what it takes to protect your rights and reputation, starting with calling (314) 827-6222 to connect with our St. Louis domestic violence attorneys. Backed by 30+ years of legal experience and never-back-down spirits, we are confident that we can manage your case in a way that goes above and beyond your expectations.

Reach out to our team of child abuse attorneys today to learn more about how we can help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending your future.

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Client Testimonials

At JMH Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

  • Best law firm around, would definitely recommend! Amanda is always so helpful and very nice. Joe is a great lawyer!

    - Nicole F.
  • Joe is a great lawyer, he knows his stuff, he’s compassionate, and he keeps his word. I’ve had the pleasure of his services for almost six years now

    - Darrell M.
  • Joe is the best lawyer I have dealt with in my entire life. He is smart, easy to work with, honest, and helpful.

    - Becky K.
  • Joe and his team were fantastic! Very kind, reasonable, and easy to work with. Made everything smooth and easy. Thank you.

    - Mike D.
  • JMH law is the best in the business! Very pleased with the work they’ve done for me, I recommend them to everyone I know!

    - Trey F
  • I was driving pretty quickly in a work zone. What I thought would turn into a night in jail ended up as illegal parking and completing a DIP program virtually from home. Though every situation and outcome is different, the ease of the process alone was worth coming to JMH. Very professional and supremely helpful across the board. Thank you, JMH! Will refer you as often as I can!

    - Samantha S.
  • The JMH Law Firm handled my case quickly and made the process quite simple for me. They were my first call and will continue to be! Joseph responded to any questions I had and made sure I had any and all information that I requested! I’m grateful for the result, the fluid communication and their effective due diligence.

    - Marqual P.
  • Joseph is incredibly professional, responsive, and dedicated. He consistently provides clear communication and reassurance through every step. If you need a top-notch criminal defense lawyer, Joseph Harvath is your man!

    - Amanda W.
  • Joe helped me with a speeding ticket so I didn’t get any points on my license. Easy to work with and managed everything via phone/email with me, which was so convenient. He walked me through what to expect and the costs so I had no surprises. Highly recommend!

    - Katie H.
  • Had my first interaction with Joe this morning to take a look at a traffic ticket for my son who was at fault in a minor accident that we settled outside of insurance. Joe was easy to work with over the phone, and he made the process simple for us. He went above and beyond to get the case resolved in less than 3 hours. Even better was the unexpected surprise that Joe was able to negotiate to get my son's traffic citation completely dropped like it never happened! Never thought that was possible and now I won't hesitate to call Joe again if my family is ever needing an attorney in the future. Highly recommended.

    - Jonathan D.
  • I called around to a few agencies when I finally received my appearance in court letter and Joseph Harvath was by far the nicest attorney I spoke with. Exceptional customer service. He wasn’t afraid to educate me on the process either, which was far more than what the others I spoke with were willing to do. JMH took all the information needed from me right then and there on the initial call. Received a letter a week later with a new court date, that same day I received notification that it was all taken care of. I highly recommend if you want to fight any traffic violation almost hassle free.

    - Natalie N.
  • I’m grateful that I found Wayne to represent me. His years of experience and diligence in his job made me feel comfortable with him. It was a long drawn out process, and he kept me updated and would always make himself available for any questions that I had. I would highly recommend him if you are lucky enough for him to represent you.

    - Barry P.
  • Wayne has been amazing to work with!!! He handled my case professionally, kept me updated on my case very frequently, and always responded to me with urgency. I would 10/10 recommend him to friends/family. Thank you for everything Wayne!!!

    - Rachel F.
  • I’m incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal support I received! Wayne handled my case with professionalism, urgency, and genuine care. From start to finish, he kept me well-informed, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt supported through every step of the process. His communication was consistent, and his knowledge and confidence gave me peace of mind. Not only is he a great attorney—he’s also an all-around great person. I highly recommend him to anyone needing strong, compassionate legal representation.

    - Kierstyn M.
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What Makes Us Different

Why Trust Our St. Louis Criminal Defense Law Firm?

  • One-On-One Attention

    We work directly with you to determine the best possible outcome based on your goals and needs. We then create personalized legal strategies to set your case up for success.

  • Accessibility & Availability

    We pride ourselves on always being available to address any questions you have about your case. With our team, you aren't just a number.

  • Insight From Every Angle

    We have tried these cases from every side of the courtroom, which means we know how the state builds its case — and where it is vulnerable.

  • Experienced Legal Counsel

    The JMH Law Firm, LLC team brings decades of combined criminal law experience. We have the tools, knowledge, and resources to effectively advocate on your behalf.

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Protecting You & Your Future

Serious Defense for Serious Charges in St. Louis

Facing criminal charges is overwhelming. Our team is ready to stand beside you and fight for the best possible outcome.