Domestic violence defense attorneys in Laclede County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in Laclede County, MO? These are serious allegations that can have substantial consequences, potentially resulting in the loss of employment, custody of your children, or even your including the possibility of losing your job, losing custody of your children, or even your VA benefits if you’ve served your country.
If you are facing domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Laclede County, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.
Combs Waterkotte is a distinguished criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the Laclede County, MO area for more than 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
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Does Emotional Abuse Count as Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …

How Can I Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …

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Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in Laclede County, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Laclede County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in Laclede County, MO can be daunting and emotional. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid escalating the situation any further.
- Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Laclede County, MO.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Laclede County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avert self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
- Stay Informed: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. Your Laclede County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will obviously keep you in the loop, but be sure to keep all lines of communication open so as to not miss anything vital. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Laclede County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Laclede County, MO area, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, coercion, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
- Sexual Misconduct: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
- Stalking: Persistent, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, withholding access to money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to assert dominance.
- Child Abuse: Any form of maltreatment, abuse, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
Laclede County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Laclede County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Laclede County, MO Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Laclede County, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any relevant criminal history. Domestic violence charges can result in criminal and civil consequences, including fines, probation, protective orders, pain and suffering, medical expenses, counseling/treatment programs, and incarceration.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence encompasses attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. .
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any attempt to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: As outlined in RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault involves causing physical injury, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Governed by RSMo § 565.076, this level of assault includes any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault constitutes a class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment. However, if there is a prior domestic assault conviction, it elevates to a class E felony.
It’s important to remember that the intricacies of each case can vary substantially. Call the Laclede County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Laclede County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Laclede County, MO area. Engaging such experienced legal representation is pivotal for securing the most favorable outcome in your case. After retaining their services, you gain access to the following benefits:
- Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Laclede County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not suggested. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Laclede County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will craft a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and skilled Laclede County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout your legal process. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront witnesses against you. Your attorney will diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Laclede County, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Laclede County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Laclede County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be vital in constructing an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Laclede County, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Laclede County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Laclede County, MO:

Reach Out to the Top Laclede County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Laclede County, MO vicinity, it’s imperative to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal experts who are as committed to your case as you are. You need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Contact the Laclede County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

