Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the St. Louis, MO area? These are serious allegations that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you are confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around St. Louis, 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in St. Louis, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. 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 St. Louis, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near St. Louis, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in the St. Louis, 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 adept legal team will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the St. Louis, MO legal process.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to St. Louis, 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. Your St. Louis, 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 important. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in St. Louis, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the St. Louis, 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: 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, 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.
- Financial Domination: Controlling or withholding financial resources, preventing access to funds or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to assert dominance.
- 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 City Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the St. Louis, MO Area?
Penalties for domestic violence in and around St. Louis, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the severity 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 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, carrying 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, 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 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 any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault is a class A misdemeanor, which carries 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. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in St. Louis, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the St. Louis, 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 benefits:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in St. Louis, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not the best option. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local St. Louis, MO and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable 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, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected 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 diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by St. Louis, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local St. Louis, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the St. Louis, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of St. Louis, MO domestic violence charges. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as 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 unique circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in St. Louis and anywhere in Missouri:
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Connect With the Top St. Louis, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in the St. Louis, 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 professionals 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.
Contact the St. Louis, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

