Combs Waterkotte is the Leading Domestic Violence Law Firm in Missouri.

Domestic assault charges in Missouri are categorized by degrees, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. These cases typically involve allegations of harm or threatened harm against a family or household member. The degree of the charge depends on factors such as the severity of injury, use of a weapon, prior convictions, and whether the alleged victim was a protected person. Convictions can lead to jail time, fines, and long-term restrictions on firearms and housing.

Violating an order of protection — also known as a restraining order — is a separate criminal offense that can be charged even if no violence occurs. Missouri law prohibits direct or indirect contact with the petitioner, including calls, texts, social media interaction, or communication through third parties. A conviction can result in jail time and will often complicate or escalate the underlying domestic violence case.

If children are present during an alleged domestic violence incident, prosecutors may add charges of endangering the welfare of a child. This applies whether the child witnessed the event, was placed in harm’s way, or simply lived in the home at the time. These charges can lead to criminal penalties, as well as family court consequences involving custody, visitation, and child welfare investigations.

Harassment and stalking charges are frequently filed in domestic-related cases, especially where there is a history of breakups, ongoing disputes, or alleged threats. These charges can stem from repeated unwanted calls, following someone, showing up uninvited, or using technology to monitor or intimidate. Missouri courts take these offenses seriously, and convictions can result in restraining orders, probation, jail time, and felony designations in aggravated cases.

Domestic disputes involving firearms or other weapons can lead to separate charges of unlawful use of a weapon. Missouri law criminalizes actions such as brandishing a weapon, discharging a firearm in a threatening manner, or possessing a gun while under an active order of protection. These charges often carry enhanced sentencing and may result in permanent loss of firearm rights under both state and federal law.

Missouri law prohibits any effort to influence, intimidate, or discourage a victim or witness from cooperating with police or testifying in court. In domestic violence cases, this charge can be filed if there’s communication — even between partners — that prosecutors interpret as coercive or obstructive. Tampering is a felony offense and may be charged even if the alleged victim initiated contact.

If someone is accused of preventing another person from leaving a location during a domestic dispute — whether by blocking a doorway, hiding keys, or physically restraining them — it may lead to charges of unlawful restraint or false imprisonment. These offenses can be charged alongside assault or harassment, and are treated seriously due to the personal liberty concerns involved.

In the context of domestic disputes, damaging property — whether it's shared, jointly owned, or belongs to the other party — can lead to criminal charges. Breaking a phone, smashing a vehicle window, or destroying personal items may result in charges such as property damage or tampering. These cases often accompany domestic assault or harassment charges.

If a domestic situation involves disputes over children, one party may be accused of interfering with a custody order or withholding a child in violation of a court agreement. Missouri law allows this to be prosecuted as a criminal offense, especially if the alleged interference is part of a broader domestic conflict or separation.

Parental kidnapping involves taking or keeping a child in violation of a custody order. In Missouri, it’s a criminal offense that can be charged as a felony, especially if the child is concealed or removed from the state. These cases often arise in the context of domestic disputes or custody battles.