Domestic violence defense attorneys in Des Peres, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Des Peres, MO? These are grave charges that can have lasting implications, 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 are confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Des Peres, MO, act quickly 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-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, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Des Peres, MO area for over 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
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 …
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Des Peres, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Des Peres, MO, it’s imperative to promptly take action to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the Des Peres, MO area can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Contact 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, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Des Peres, MO legal process.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Des Peres, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avoid 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 Des Peres, 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 Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Des Peres, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Des Peres, 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 striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, 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, 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 financial dependency to assert dominance.
- Child Abuse: Any form of mistreatment, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the familial or household context.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Des Peres, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Des Peres, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any relevant criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence may entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Counseling/Treatment Programs
- Incarceration
.
Missouri law breaks domestic assault charges into the following four degrees:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to cause or knowingly inflict 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 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 a class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to 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: Under 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 is a class A misdemeanor, carrying 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. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Des Peres, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Des Peres, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Des Peres, MO legal process. You need these types of lawyers on your side for the best possible outcome in your case. After hiring one, you get the following benefits:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Des Peres, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not the best option. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Des Peres, 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 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 the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and skilled Des Peres, 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 attorney will diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Des Peres, MO.
- Familiarity with Local Des Peres, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Des Peres, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of Des Peres, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than 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. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Des Peres, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Des Peres, MO:

Connect With the Top Des Peres, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in or around Des Peres, MO, it’s imperative 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 Des Peres, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

