Domestic violence defense attorneys in Plattsburg, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Plattsburg, MO area? These are grave charges that carry significant consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you are confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Plattsburg, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call 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 an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the Plattsburg, MO area for more than 40 years. 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 …
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Plattsburg, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Plattsburg, 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:
- Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the Plattsburg, MO area 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 skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Plattsburg, MO legal process.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Plattsburg, 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: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. While your Plattsburg, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any crucial updates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Plattsburg, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Plattsburg, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. Includes striking, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior 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: Controlling or withholding financial resources, withholding access to money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency 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.
Clinton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clinton County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Plattsburg, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Plattsburg, MO vary greatly depending on 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: 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 degree 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 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 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 constitutes 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 vary drastically. Give the Plattsburg, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Plattsburg, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the Plattsburg, 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 Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Plattsburg, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is ill-advised. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Plattsburg, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 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 knowledgeable Plattsburg, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure 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 lawyer will work to prevent any violations of your rights by Plattsburg, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local Plattsburg, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Plattsburg, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Plattsburg, MO. 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 specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Plattsburg, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Plattsburg and anywhere in Missouri:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Reach Out to the Top Plattsburg, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Plattsburg, MO vicinity, 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.
Contact the Plattsburg, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

