WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST IN MISSOURI?
A domestic violence arrest in Missouri can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be taken from your home in handcuffs, face immediate restrictions on contacting loved ones, and have your reputation damaged — all before you’ve even had your day in court.
If you are facing a domestic violence charge in Kansas City or the state of Missouri, you need to act immediately. Call the law office of KC Defense Counsel and schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our experienced domestic abuse defense lawyers.
We understand what happens after an arrest can help you protect your rights and prepare for the road ahead.
THE IMMEDIATE ARREST PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN MISSOURI
Domestic violence cases are treated very seriously by Missouri police. If an officer responds to a domestic disturbance call and believes there is probable cause that an assault or threat occurred, they will usually make an arrest — even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges.
Once arrested, you’ll likely be taken to a local jail such as the Jackson County Detention Center for booking.
WHAT IS A NO-CONTACT ORDER IN MISSOURI?
In most cases, the court will issue an Order of Protection or no-contact order right after your arrest. This means you cannot contact the alleged victim directly or indirectly.
That can include:
- Calling, texting, or emailing them
- Sending messages through friends or family
- Going to their home, workplace, or other locations they frequent
Violating this order — even accidentally — can lead to additional criminal charges.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN YOUR INITIAL COURT APPEARANCE?
Your first court appearance (arraignment) will happen within a few days. At this hearing:
- You’ll hear the formal charges against you.
- You’ll have a chance to enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest).
- Bail may be set, allowing you to be released while your case is pending.
Having an attorney at this stage is critical — they can argue for a lower bail or even for release without posting bail.
POSSIBLE CHARGES AND PENALTIES IN A DOMESTICE ABUSE SITUATION
Domestic violence in Missouri can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the severity of the allegations:
- Misdemeanor domestic assault: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Felony domestic assault: Several years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Factors that can increase charges include:
- Use of a weapon
- Causing serious injury
- Prior convictions
- Violations of an order of protection
YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI DOMESTIC ABUSE DEFENSE LAWYER
If you’re facing domestic abuse charges in Missouri, do not take them lightly. Hiring a skilled Kansas City criminal defense attorney should be the first call you make. Schedule a free case evaluation to talk to one of our affordable Missouri defense lawyers.
Believe us, the impact of a domestic abuse conviction can linger beyond the courtroom. A domestic violence arrest can have immediate personal and professional consequences, even before your case is resolved:
- Loss of firearm rights under federal law if convicted
- Difficulty finding or keeping a job
- Child custody and visitation issues
- Damage to your reputation in your community
Defenses in a Domestic Violence Case
Not every arrest results in a conviction. A knowledgeable Kansas City criminal defense lawyer may be able to:
- Show the alleged incident was self-defense
- Challenge the credibility or accuracy of witness statements
- Prove the allegations are false or exaggerated
- Expose inconsistencies in police reports
Domestic violence cases are often emotional and complex — facts can get twisted, and misunderstandings can become criminal charges. At KC Defense Counsel, we know how high the stakes are in domestic violence cases. We’ve defended countless Kansas City residents against these charges, working to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
If you’ve been arrested for domestic abuse in Missouri, call us immediately for a free consultation. The sooner we start building your defense, the better your chances of protecting your freedom.
Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.
Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.
Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.
Recent Comments