Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in St. Louis County, MO? These are serious allegations that carry significant consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around St. Louis County, MO, act quickly 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-strings-attached 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 in St. Louis County, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering commitment 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 St. Louis County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in St. Louis County, MO, it’s imperative 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 St. Louis County, MO 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 will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in St. Louis County, MO.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to St. Louis County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avert 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 St. Louis County, 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. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Situations When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in St. Louis County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the St. Louis 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. Includes striking, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, coercion, 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, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
- Financial Domination: Exercising control over financial resources, withholding access to money or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence 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 familial or household context.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in St. Louis County, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around St. Louis County, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any relevant 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.
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 encompasses 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. 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 attempt to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing 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 in prison.
- 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: 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, 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 intricacies of each case can significantly differ. Call the St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled St. Louis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the St. Louis County, 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 advantages:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in St. Louis 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 skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local St. Louis County, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and skilled St. Louis County, 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 work to prevent any infringements on your rights by St. Louis County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local St. Louis County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the St. Louis County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in St. Louis County, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, rather than 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 unique circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in St. Louis County and anywhere in Missouri:

Reach Out to the Top St. Louis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in the St. Louis County, MO area, it’s imperative 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 need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Call the St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

