DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES LAWYER IN MISSOURI

Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer

DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES LAWYER IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

 

Fighting for Your Rights Against Serious Domestic Violence Charges in Missouri

Being charged with domestic assault in Missouri is one of the most serious and stigmatized allegations a person can face. A conviction can lead to life-altering consequences, including imprisonment, loss of firearm rights, damage to your reputation, and a permanent criminal record.

If you’ve been accused of domestic assault in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, it is critical that you act quickly and retain an experienced domestic abuse charges attorney near me who understands how to navigate Missouri’s complex domestic violence laws.

At KC Defense Counsel, our skilled Kansas City criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience representing clients facing domestic violence charges at all levels—from misdemeanors to high-level felonies. We are prepared to defend your rights, protect your future, and provide the aggressive, strategic representation your case demands.

DOMESTIC ASSAULT UNDER MISSOURI LAW

Missouri law defines domestic assault as an act of violence or threat of violence committed against a person with whom the defendant has a specific domestic or familial relationship. The law applies broadly to current or former spouses, intimate or romantic partners, co-parents, relatives by blood or marriage, household members, and individuals who have lived together.

Domestic assault is governed by Missouri Revised Statutes 565.072 through 565.076. The severity of the charge depends on the nature of the alleged conduct, the injuries involved, the presence of weapons or aggravating factors, and any prior convictions.

RELATIONSHIPS COVERED BY MISSOURI DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW

According to Missouri law, a “domestic victim” is defined as

  • A current or former spouse
  • A family member by blood or marriage
  • A person residing or previously residing in the same household
  • A person in a continuing social or romantic relationship
  • A co-parent or someone who shares a child with the accused

This means domestic assault charges can arise from disputes involving romantic partners, family members, or others within a domestic setting, even if the relationship has ended.

DEGREES OF DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN MISSOURI

1st Degree Domestic Assault:

A person commits domestic assault in the first degree if they:

  • Attempt to kill a domestic victim; or
  • Knowingly cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury to a domestic victim

Penalties:

  • Class B felony: 5 to 15 years in prison
  • Class A felony (if serious injury or a prior conviction exists): 10 to 30 years, or life imprisonment
  • This is the most serious domestic assault charge and is typically reserved for extreme violence or repeat offenders.

2nd Degree Domestic Assault:

A person commits second-degree domestic assault if they:

  • Knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
  • Choke or strangle the victim
  • Recklessly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon

Penalties:

  • Class D felony: Up to 7 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines

Even without intent to kill, second-degree charges can arise from weapon use or reckless behavior causing serious harm.

3rd Degree Domestic Assault:

Third-degree domestic assault involves lesser, though still serious, acts of violence or threats, including:

  • Attempting to cause physical injury
  • Knowingly causing physical pain or illness
  • Placing the victim in apprehension of immediate physical injury
  • Recklessly creating a risk of serious physical injury or death
  • Offensive physical contact
  • Isolation of the victim from communication, transportation, or support

Penalties:

  • Class E felony: Up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $10,000

Prior to changes in Missouri law, this offense was a misdemeanor for first-time offenders, but it is now classified as a felony regardless of history.

4th Degree Domestic Assault:

Fourth-degree domestic assault typically involves minor injuries, threats, or offensive behavior, such as:

  • Attempting or recklessly causing physical pain or injury
  • Negligently causing injury with a deadly weapon
  • Purposely placing the victim in fear of injury
  • Causing offensive contact
  • Isolating the victim to control their behavior

Penalties:

  • Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000
  • Class E felony: If the defendant has two or more prior domestic assault convictions

Though considered the least severe, this charge can quickly escalate with prior offenses and has lasting consequences if convicted.

ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF A DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGE IN MISSOURI

A conviction for any level of domestic assault in Missouri can carry serious long-term consequences beyond incarceration:

Permanent Criminal Record: Domestic assault convictions remain on your record permanently. Missouri law does not allow expungement of most domestic violence offenses. This can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities for life.

Loss of Firearm Rights: Under both Missouri and federal law, a person convicted of a domestic violence offense—misdemeanor or felony—may be permanently prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.

Impact on Family Law Matters: A domestic violence conviction can influence child custody and divorce proceedings. Courts consider domestic abuse when determining the best interests of a child, which may limit or restrict your custody rights.

Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens convicted of domestic assault may face deportation, denial of naturalization, or denial of re-entry into the United States.

Professional and Occupational Consequences: A conviction can prevent you from obtaining or keeping professional licenses and certifications. It may disqualify you from jobs in education, healthcare, law enforcement, or any role requiring background checks.

PRIOR CONVICTIONS AND ENHANCED PENALTIES IN MISSOURI

Missouri law enhances penalties for individuals with a history of domestic violence or assault charges. A person with two or more prior domestic assault convictions may face felony charges for even minor offenses. This “persistent offender” status also makes it more difficult to receive probation or reduced sentencing.

Judges and prosecutors take prior incidents seriously and may argue for maximum penalties, even if the current charge appears minor. That’s why early intervention by a defense attorney is critical.

CIVIL REMEDIES AND ORDERS OF PROTECTION

In addition to criminal charges, individuals accused of domestic violence may be subject to a Missouri Order of Protection. These are civil court orders that restrict contact between the accused and the alleged victim. Violating an order of protection can lead to additional criminal charges.

Orders of protection may:

  • Force you to leave your home
  • Limit visitation or custody with your children
  • Restrict communication with the alleged victim
  • Prevent you from possessing firearms

Even if no criminal conviction occurs, an active order of protection can severely impact your personal and legal standing.

NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY

A domestic assault charge can turn your life upside down overnight. The stakes are incredibly high, and the consequences of a conviction are permanent. If you’ve been accused, you need a lawyer who understands how to:

  • Challenge the credibility of the allegations
  • Analyze police reports and identify errors in procedure
  • Uncover motives for false accusations (e.g., divorce or custody disputes)
  • Argue for dismissal or reduction in charges
  • Protect your rights in court and at trial

An experienced Kansas City domestic violence attorney will understand the local court system, know how prosecutors handle domestic assault cases, and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances.

LET KC DEFENSE COUNSEL GO TO WORK FOR YOU

At KC Defense Counsel, we handle each domestic assault case with sensitivity, urgency, and an aggressive defense mindset. We begin with a thorough evaluation of the facts, including:

  • Witness statements
  • Police reports
  • Medical records
  • Text messages, emails, and other communications
  • 911 recordings and surveillance footage

From there, we pursue all available legal defenses—including mistaken identity, self-defense, false accusations, or lack of intent. Our goal is always to protect your future, minimize the damage to your life, and prevent a conviction whenever possible.

CONTACT A KANSAS CITY DOMESTIC BATTERY LAWYER TODAY

Call KC Defense Counsel today and schedule a free case evaluation. We are ready to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and guide you through this difficult time with strength and experience.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with domestic assault in Missouri, do not wait to seek legal counsel. Don’t wait. Call today and speak with one of our affordable and skilled Kansas City criminal defense attorneys who have extensive experience defending clients against domestic violence allegations at all levels, from misdemeanor fourth-degree cases to serious felony assaults.

We understand the stress and uncertainty you are facing, and we are here to provide knowledgeable guidance and aggressive representation.