Domestic violence defense attorneys in Putnam County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Putnam County, MO? These are serious allegations that carry significant consequences, 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 Putnam 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 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 in Putnam County, MO and across Missouri for over 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
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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 …

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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 Putnam County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Putnam County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in Putnam County, MO can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our adept legal team will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Putnam County, MO.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Putnam County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital 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 Putnam County, 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.

Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Putnam County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Putnam County, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, coercion, 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, preventing access to money or assets, obstructing 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.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Putnam County, MO Area?
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Putnam County, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, 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 encompasses attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is 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 degree 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, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. 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 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 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 crucial to bear in mind that the intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Call the Putnam County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Putnam County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Putnam 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 advantages:
- Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Putnam County, 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 boasts a profound understanding of the local Putnam County, 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 in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Putnam County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded 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 diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Putnam County, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Putnam County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Putnam County, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of Putnam County, MO domestic violence charges. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the unique 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 top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Putnam County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Putnam County, MO:

Reach Out to the Top Putnam County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Putnam County, MO vicinity, it’s crucial 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 deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.
Call the Putnam County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

