Domestic violence defense attorneys in Dent County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Dent County, MO? These are grave charges 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 have served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Dent County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Dent County, MO area for more than 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
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Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in Dent County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Dent County, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in Dent County, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our adept legal team will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Dent County, MO.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Dent County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to prevent 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 Dent 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 important. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

Situations When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Dent County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Dent County, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: 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.
- Financial Domination: Exercising control over financial resources, withholding access to money or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence 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 familial or household context.
Dent County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Dent County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Dent County, MO Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Dent County, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior 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.
Missouri law breaks domestic assault charges into the following four degrees:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: 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 offense is classified as 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 tier 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 or knowingly causing physical pain or illness to a household or domestic member, or knowingly putting them in harm’s way or isolating them through negligent behavior. 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 degree 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 in prison, unless you have a prior conviction of domestic assault, in which case it would be a class E felony.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that the specifics of each case can significantly differ. Give the Dent County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Dent County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Dent 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 advantages:
- Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Dent County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not suggested. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Dent County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team conducts exhaustive investigations, gathers evidence, and identifies vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable Dent 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 infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Dent County, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Dent County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Dent County, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in constructing an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of Dent County, MO domestic violence charges. This could include 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 unique circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Dent County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Dent County and anywhere in Missouri:

Reach Out to the Leading Dent County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Dent County, MO area, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a a qualified attorney who can provide guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation. 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 Dent County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

