Domestic violence defense attorneys in Portage Des Sioux, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Portage Des Sioux, MO area? These are serious allegations that carry significant consequences, potentially resulting in the loss of employment, custody of your children, or even your including the possibility of losing your job, losing custody of your children, or even your VA benefits if you’ve served your country.
If you are facing domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Portage Des Sioux, 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.
Combs Waterkotte is a distinguished criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Portage Des Sioux, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
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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 Portage Des Sioux, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence in Portage Des Sioux, MO, it’s imperative to promptly take action to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in Portage Des Sioux, MO can be daunting and emotional. 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 offer expert guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Portage Des Sioux, MO legal process.
- Assert Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Portage Des Sioux, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avert 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. While your Portage Des Sioux, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any critical updates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Portage Des Sioux, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Portage Des Sioux, 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: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Misconduct: 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.
- Economic Control: Exercising control over financial resources, preventing access to money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency to exert power and control.
- Child Abuse: Any form of maltreatment, abuse, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Portage Des Sioux, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Portage Des Sioux, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any relevant criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence may entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Counseling/Treatment Programs
- 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 includes any attempts to cause or knowingly inflict serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. A class B felony carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while the class A felony maximum is life in prison.
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This tier of domestic assault includes any attempt to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is categorized as a class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault involves 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: Governed by RSMo § 565.076, this level 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 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 specifics of each case can significantly differ. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Portage Des Sioux, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Portage Des Sioux, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Portage Des Sioux, 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 Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Portage Des Sioux, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not suggested. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Portage Des Sioux, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team in the prosecution’s case. This may involve challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and skilled Portage Des Sioux, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure 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 confront witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any violations of your rights by Portage Des Sioux, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local Portage Des Sioux, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Portage Des Sioux, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in constructing an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Portage Des Sioux, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right away 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Portage Des Sioux, MO:

Reach Out to the Leading Portage Des Sioux, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in the Portage Des Sioux, MO vicinity, it’s imperative to consult with a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal experts 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

