Domestic violence defense attorneys in Lawrence County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Lawrence County, MO area? These are serious allegations 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’ve served your country.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Lawrence County, 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 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 vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the Lawrence County, MO area for more than four decades. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering commitment 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 …
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Lawrence County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Lawrence 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: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in Lawrence County, MO 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 skilled attorneys will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Lawrence County, MO.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Lawrence County, 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. While your Lawrence County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any critical updates. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Lawrence County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Lawrence County, MO area, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes hitting, 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, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
- Economic Control: Exercising control over financial resources, withholding access to funds or assets, sabotaging 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.
Lawrence County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lawrence County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Lawrence County, MO Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Lawrence County, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any prior 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
.
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 encompasses attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. A class B felony carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while the class A felony maximum is life in prison.
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This tier of domestic assault includes any endeavor to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with 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: 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 is 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 a household or family member. Fourth degree domestic assault is 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 important to remember that the intricacies of each case can significantly differ. Call the Lawrence County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Lawrence County, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the Lawrence County, 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 Lawrence 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 has a deep understanding of the local Lawrence County, 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 may involve challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and skilled Lawrence County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure 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 violations of your rights by Lawrence County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local Lawrence County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Lawrence County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be vital in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of Lawrence 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 always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the unique circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Lawrence County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Lawrence County and anywhere in Missouri:

Reach Out to the Leading Lawrence County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Lawrence County, MO vicinity, it’s imperative to consult with 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 Lawrence County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

