Domestic violence defense attorneys in Pettis County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Pettis County, 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’ve served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Pettis County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Pettis County, MO area for over four decades. Our exceptional 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 Pettis County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Pettis 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: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in Pettis County, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid 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 provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Pettis County, MO.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Pettis 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: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. While your Pettis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any critical updates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Pettis County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Pettis County, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. This includes actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: 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 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 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 family or household.
Pettis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Pettis County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Pettis County, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Pettis County, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity 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 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 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 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 imprisonment.
- 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 any member of your household or family. 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 crucial to bear in mind that the specifics of each case can vary substantially. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Pettis County, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Pettis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Pettis 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 benefits:
- Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Pettis County, 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 proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Pettis County, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Pettis County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected 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 work to prevent any violations of your rights by Pettis County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local Pettis County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Pettis County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Pettis County, MO. This may involve 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. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right now 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 Pettis County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Pettis County, MO:

Reach Out to the Top Pettis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in or around Pettis County, MO, it’s imperative to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal experts who are as committed to your case as you are. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.
Call the Pettis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

