Domestic violence defense attorneys in Cottleville, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Cottleville, MO area? These are grave charges that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you are facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Cottleville, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. During this confidential meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the particulars of your case directly with one of our experienced attorneys.
Combs Waterkotte is a distinguished criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Cottleville, MO area for more than 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering dedication to our clients’ rights and freedoms.
Legal Videos

What to Do When Accused of Domestic Violence in Missouri
This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "What Should I Do When Accused of Domestic Violence?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence charge in the …

What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation?
This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation in Missouri?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence …

What Are My Rights if Accused of Domestic Violence?
This domestic violence legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "How Can I Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence …

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 …

Can a Domestic Violence Charge Affect Child Custody?
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 Cottleville, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Cottleville, 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:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in the Cottleville, MO area can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in Cottleville, MO.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Cottleville, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avert self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. Your Cottleville, 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 uncertainties or concerns.

Situations When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Cottleville, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Cottleville, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, encompassing offenses such as rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
- Stalking: Persistent and unwanted monitoring, surveillance, following, or harassment that causes fear, anxiety, or emotional distress.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, preventing access to money or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to exert power and control.
- Child Abuse: Any form of mistreatment, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Cottleville, MO Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Cottleville, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any relevant criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence could entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Counseling/Treatment Programs
- Incarceration
.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is a class A felony. .
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any attempt to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is categorized as a class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment.
- 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 offense constitutes a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
- 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 a household or family member. 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 significantly differ. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Cottleville, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Cottleville, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Cottleville, MO legal process. 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 Cottleville, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not the best option. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Cottleville, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An adept and skilled Cottleville, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout the legal proceedings. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Cottleville, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Cottleville, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Cottleville, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be vital in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Cottleville, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Cottleville, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Cottleville, MO:

Reach Out to the Leading Cottleville, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in or around Cottleville, MO, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation hang in the balance. You work hard; so should your lawyers. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.
Call the Cottleville, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

