Domestic violence defense attorneys in Raytown, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Raytown, MO area? These are grave charges 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 allegations anywhere in or around Raytown, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 a distinguished criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Raytown, MO area for over 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
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 Raytown, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Raytown, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in Raytown, 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 will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Raytown, MO legal process.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Raytown, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to prevent 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 Raytown, 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 vital. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Raytown, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Raytown, MO area, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon 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 controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, encompassing offenses such as 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: Controlling or withholding 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.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Raytown, MO
Penalties for domestic violence in and around Raytown, MO vary greatly depending on the severity 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
.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- 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 is a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is 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 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 imprisonment.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: As outlined in RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is 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: Under RSMo § 565.076, this degree of assault encompasses 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 specifics of each case can vary substantially. Give the Raytown, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Raytown, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Raytown, MO area. 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 Raytown, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is ill-advised. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Raytown, MO and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored to the specifics 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.
- Protection of Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Raytown, 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 diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by Raytown, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local Raytown, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Raytown, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Raytown, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the unique circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Raytown, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Raytown, MO:

Reach Out to the Top Raytown, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Raytown, MO area, it’s crucial 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.
Call the Raytown, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

