Domestic violence defense lawyer in Lathrop, MO. Facing domestic violence charges in Lathrop, MO or the surrounding areas? These serious accusations can threaten everything you’ve worked for—your reputation, your career, your parental rights, and even important veteran benefits in Lathrop, MO.
At the first sign of trouble, no matter how slight or severe, turn to an experienced Lathrop, MO domestic violence defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our expert attorneys will listen, strategize, and start building a strong defense the moment you hire us.
With over 60 years of combined legal experience and over 350 five-star reviews, Combs Waterkotte is the law firm Lathrop, MO trusts to deliver the best possible outcome when it matters most.
Article Summary
Being charged with domestic violence in Lathrop, MO can have devastating consequences—including loss of freedom, strained family relationships, and a permanent criminal record. Navigating these charges without experienced legal representation puts your future at serious risk. At Combs Waterkotte, our Lathrop, MO domestic violence defense lawyers provide aggressive, strategic defense to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life.
Read on to discover:
- The critical first steps to take immediately after being accused of domestic violence.
- How Missouri defines domestic violence—and why accusations are sometimes exaggerated or misunderstood.
- The potential criminal and civil penalties you could face, including fines, incarceration, and loss of gun rights.
- Common defense strategies used by skilled attorneys to fight Lathrop, MO domestic violence allegations.
- Why choosing an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Lathrop, MO is essential for safeguarding your future.
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 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 to Do Immediately After a Domestic Violence Allegation in Lathrop, MO
If you’re facing domestic violence allegations in Lathrop, MO, don’t panic—but don’t delay either. Taking the right steps now can make all the difference in your Lathrop, MO case. Here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1 — Don’t Panic: Emotional reactions can be misinterpreted and used against you. Stay level-headed and cautious.
- Step 2 — Lawyer Up ASAP With Combs Waterkotte: The sooner you involve a proven domestic violence defense lawyer in Lathrop, MO, the better your chances of minimizing damage.
- Step 3 — Don’t Go It Alone with Police: Law enforcement may push for answers—don’t give them any until your attorney is there to protect you.
- Step 4 — Stay in the Loop: Stay engaged and proactive throughout your case. A Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO domestic violence defense lawyer will keep you updated every step of the way and is always available to answer your questions.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
What Domestic Violence Looks Like in Lathrop, MO
In Missouri, domestic violence includes a wide range of alleged behaviors between family or household members, as defined by Missouri law:
- Stalking: Ongoing harassment, following, or surveillance that causes the victim to fear for their safety.
- Physical Violence: Inflicting physical harm through hitting, pushing, kicking, or using a weapon.
- Emotional Abuse: Threats, put-downs, and attempts to control or isolate the victim emotionally.
- Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, or rape involving a household or family member.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling finances or sabotaging employment to exert power and control.
- Child Abuse: Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor within the family unit.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer in or around Lathrop, MO, you’re not just hiring the leading defense team in Lathrop, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced domestic violence defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lathrop and beyond:
Understanding Domestic Violence Penalties in Lathrop, MO
Domestic violence accusations in Lathrop, MO can lead to life-changing criminal penalties. Depending on the severity of the charge, you could be facing:
- First-Degree Domestic Assault: Attempting to kill or causing extreme injury—a Class A felony (up to life) or Class B felony (up to 15 years).
- Second-Degree Domestic Assault: Inflicting injury with a weapon or by choking—classified as a Class C felony with up to 7 years in prison.
- Third-Degree Domestic Assault: Causing pain or illness—this Class E felony can lead to 4 years of incarceration.
- Fourth-Degree Domestic Assault: Minor injuries or negligent actions—typically a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail.
In addition to criminal sentencing, a conviction may result in restraining orders, loss of child custody, revoked gun rights, and permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation. A strong legal defense from Combs Waterkotte is your best protection in the Lathrop, MO area.
Why Hiring the Right Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Lathrop, MO Matters
Domestic violence charges can turn your life upside down. The right attorney can help you turn it back around. Here’s why hiring a Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO domestic violence defense lawyer makes all the difference:
- Local Legal Advantage — Our attorneys understand courts, prosecutors, and procedures in the Lathrop, MO area, giving you an inside edge.
- Strategic Defense — We tailor a criminal defense plan to your situation, whether it’s self-defense, false allegations, or lack of evidence.
- Rights Protection — We defend your rights to silence, fair trial, and due process at every stage in Lathrop, MO.
- Negotiation Strength — If a plea deal is in your best interest, we push for reduced charges or alternative sentencing through strategic negotiations.
- Aggressive Trial Advocacy — Ready to go to court? We’re prepared to present a strong case and fight for your acquittal before a judge or jury in the Lathrop, MO area.
When your future is on the line, you need a battle-tested legal team on your side. The most common—and expensive—mistake we see is individuals who hire lawyers based on bus-stop advertisements and low costs. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to discuss the specifics of your case with a skilled Lathrop, MO domestic violence defense lawyer.
What Turns a Disagreement Into a Domestic Violence Charge in Lathrop, MO?
Not all heated arguments or even physical altercations are criminal—but when they involve someone close to you, they can quickly cross the legal line. In Lathrop, MO, Missouri law defines domestic violence as any abuse or threat of abuse against a domestic victim, including:
- A current or former spouse
- A relative by blood or marriage
- Individual with whom you have a child
- Someone you currently or previously lived with
- Someone you are or were in a dating or intimate relationship with
Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Lathrop, MO: Common FAQs
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand how overwhelming domestic violence charges can be. That’s why our defense team in Lathrop, MO compiled this list of frequently asked questions to give you clarity, peace of mind, and practical next steps:
Do Courts Always Believe the Alleged Victim in Lathrop, MO Domestic Violence Cases?
No, courts in the Lathrop, MO area do not always believe the alleged victim. In fact, the outcome of your case depends on the evidence presented and, ultimately, the expertise of your domestic violence criminal defense lawyer.
What is the Missouri Domestic Violence 12 Hour Rule?
Missouri’s 12-hour domestic violence rule is designed to protect individuals from repeated harm. If police are called to the same residence twice within a 12-hour window, they are required to make an arrest.
Do I Have to Be Arrested in Lathrop, MO for a Domestic Violence Charge?
Unlike many other states, Missouri does not have a mandatory arrest law regarding domestic violence. However, whether or not you are arrested, being charged with domestic violence can have serious consequences. Combs Waterkotte is here.
Can a Domestic Violence Conviction be Expunged in Missouri?
While certain domestic violence convictions in Missouri may qualify for expungement, whether you’re eligible depends on the nature of the offense and the time that has elapsed since the conviction.
If the Victim Stops Cooperating, Will My Domestic Violence Case in Missouri Be Dismissed?
If the alleged victim in a Missouri domestic violence case fails to appear in court, it doesn’t guarantee the case will be dropped. While the victim’s testimony can be crucial, Missouri Revised Statutes § 595.209 permits prosecutors in Lathrop, MO to pursue charges without the victim if other admissible evidence is available to support the case.
Being charged with domestic violence can seriously affect your ability to see or retain custody of your child. Courts in Lathrop, MO will always put the child’s safety first—and even a single allegation can sway a judge’s decision. Don’t risk your parental rights—contact an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer right away to protect your future.
Contact a Lathrop, MO Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today
Domestic violence charges carry life-changing consequences—but with the right legal team, you don’t have to face them alone. Combs Waterkotte is here to stand by your side and fight for your rights in Lathrop, MO.
Your freedom and future deserve more than a wait-and-see approach. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Lathrop, MO.
