Domestic violence defense attorneys in Joplin, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Joplin, MO area? These are serious allegations that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Joplin, 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-strings-attached consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.
Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Joplin, MO area for more than four decades. 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 Joplin, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Joplin, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in the Joplin, MO area can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent 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 offer expert guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Joplin, MO legal process.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Joplin, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avoid 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 Joplin, 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. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Joplin, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Joplin, MO area, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. This includes actions such as 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-esteem and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including 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: Exercising control over financial resources, withholding access to funds or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to exert power and control.
- 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.
Jasper County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jasper County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Joplin, MO Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Joplin, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any prior 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: 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 it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. The former carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, while the latter can result in life imprisonment.
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This tier of domestic assault includes any endeavor 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 is 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 in prison.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.076, this level of assault encompasses 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 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 vary drastically. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Joplin, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Joplin, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Joplin, 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 Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Joplin, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not suggested. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Joplin, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will craft a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This may involve challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Joplin, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are protected 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 lawyer will work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Joplin, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Joplin, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Joplin, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Joplin, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as 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 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 Joplin, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Joplin, MO:

Connect With the Leading Joplin, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in or around Joplin, MO, it’s imperative 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 need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Contact the Joplin, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

