Domestic violence defense attorneys in Scott County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Scott 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 have served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Scott County, 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-strings-attached 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 in Scott County, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. Our exceptional 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 Scott County, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Scott County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in Scott County, MO can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our skilled attorneys will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Scott County, MO legal process.
- Assert Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Scott 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: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. While your Scott 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 Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Scott County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In Scott County, MO, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to 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, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-worth 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 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, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to exert power and control.
- 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.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Scott County, MO Area?
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Scott 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 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: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence encompasses attempts to cause or knowingly inflict 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 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 involves causing physical injury, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
- 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 any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault is 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 specifics of each case can vary drastically. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Scott County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Scott County, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Scott 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 Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Scott 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 not suggested. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Scott 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 to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and knowledgeable Scott County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure 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 confront witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any violations of your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Scott County, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Scott County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Scott County, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of Scott County, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. 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 away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Scott County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Scott County, MO:

Reach Out to the Leading Scott County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the Scott 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 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 Scott County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

