Domestic violence defense lawyer in Lexington, MO. Facing domestic violence charges in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO.
Don’t leave your defense to chance. Contact the proven Lexington, MO domestic violence defense lawyers today by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out online for a free, confidential case review. We’ll act immediately to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
With more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience and over 350 five-star reviews, Combs Waterkotte is the law firm Lexington, MO trusts to deliver the best possible outcome when it matters most.
Summary
Being charged with domestic violence in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO domestic violence allegations.
- Why choosing an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Lexington, 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 …
Steps to Take if You’re Accused of Domestic Violence in Lexington, MO
Accused of domestic violence in Lexington, MO? Every decision you make from this point forward matters. Here’s how to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future in the Lexington, MO area—starting now:
- Step 1 — Keep Your Cool: Don’t argue, retaliate, or respond emotionally. Remaining calm protects your credibility and helps your defense team.
- Step 2 — Contact Combs Waterkotte Immediately: Call the trusted domestic violence defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte in Lexington, MO to take control of the situation immediately.
- Step 3 — Say Nothing to Police Without an Attorney: Law enforcement may push for answers—don’t give them any until your attorney is there to protect you.
- Step 4 — Stay Informed: Lexington, MO domestic violence cases move quickly. Our team will update you regularly and ensure no legal opportunity is missed.
-
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
How Missouri Defines Domestic Violence in Lexington, MO
In Lexington, MO, domestic violence includes more than just physical harm. According to Missouri law, domestic violence covers a broad spectrum of abusive behaviors between spouses, partners, parents, and other household or family members, such as:
- Stalking: Repeated following, watching, or unwanted contact that causes fear or distress.
- Physical Harm: Hitting, kicking, choking, or any other act of violence that results in injury or pain.
- Psychological Abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, or other actions meant to control or emotionally harm.
- Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual contact, rape, or sexual coercion within a relationship.
- Financial Manipulation: Controlling income, access to money, or sabotaging employment to restrict independence.
- Child Endangerment: Any physical, emotional, or financial mistreatment of a child by a caregiver or parent.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer in or around Lexington, MO, you aren’t just selecting the top-rated defense team in Lexington, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable domestic violence defense lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Lexington, MO residents:
- Traffic Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
Understanding Domestic Violence Penalties in Lexington, MO
Facing domestic violence charges in Lexington, MO? It’s critical to understand what’s at stake. Missouri law classifies these offenses into four degrees, each carrying serious penalties:
- First-Degree Domestic Assault: Intent to kill or causing serious injury—charged as a Class A felony (up to life imprisonment) or Class B felony (up to 15 years in prison).
- Second-Degree Domestic Assault: Causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or through strangulation—a Class C felony punishable by 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 Lexington, MO area.
Why Hiring the Right Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Lexington, MO Matters
Domestic violence accusations can upend your life—but the right defense lawyer can help set it right. Here’s why choosing a seasoned Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorney in Lexington, MO gives you the advantage:
- Deep Local Insight — We know the judges, prosecutors, and legal nuances specific to Lexington, MO, which means smarter strategy and better results.
- Tailored Legal Strategy — Every case is different. We create a defense plan based on your unique circumstances—whether it’s self-defense, mistaken identity, or false allegations.
- Constitutional Protection — We aggressively defend your constitutional rights throughout the legal process—so nothing gets overlooked or violated in Lexington, MO.
- Plea Bargain Experience — We negotiate directly with prosecutors when appropriate to secure reduced charges or avoid jail time through effective plea agreements.
- Trail-Ready Representation — 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO domestic violence defense lawyer.
When Does an Argument Become Domestic Violence in Lexington, MO?
Arguments happen in Lexington, MO—but when they escalate, even slightly, you could be facing serious legal consequences. In Missouri, any physical act or threat of harm involving a domestic victim can lead to a domestic violence charge. Under Missouri law, a domestic victim includes:
- Your spouse or ex-spouse
- A relative by blood or marriage
- The other parent of your child
- An individual you currently or previously lived with
- Individual with whom you have or had a dating or romantic relationship
FAQs Answered by a Trusted Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Lexington, MO
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence legal defense team in Lexington, MO put together a list of common questions asked by clients to help you better understand the charges you’re facing:
Do Courts Always Believe the Alleged Victim in Lexington, MO Domestic Violence Cases?
No, courts in the Lexington, 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?
Under Missouri law, the “12-hour rule” mandates that if officers respond to the same domestic disturbance twice in a 12-hour period, they must arrest the alleged offender to prevent further incidents.
Do I Have to Be Arrested in Lexington, MO for a Domestic Violence Charge?
Missouri is different from many states in that it doesn’t enforce a mandatory arrest policy in domestic violence cases. Still, an arrest isn’t required for you to face serious criminal charges—and the consequences can be life-changing. That’s where Combs Waterkotte comes in.
Can a Domestic Violence Conviction be Expunged in Missouri?
A domestic violence conviction in Missouri can potentially be expunged, however several important factors must be considered, including the type of charge and the time elapsed.
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 Lexington, MO to pursue charges without the victim if other admissible evidence is available to support the case.
A domestic violence accusation can heavily influence child custody and visitation outcomes. Missouri family courts place a strong emphasis on protecting the child’s welfare, and any allegation of abuse can be a deciding factor. If you’re involved in a custody dispute and facing domestic violence charges, it’s essential to have a skilled Lexington, MO domestic violence defense lawyer advocating for you.
Speak With a Lexington, MO Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Now
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 Lexington, MO.
Call (314) 900-HELP or message us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a trusted domestic violence defense lawyer in Lexington, MO, who will advocate for your future.
