Fourth Degree Domestic Assault Defense Lawyer in Missouri

Fourth Degree Domestic Assault Defense Lawyer serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and ALL of Missouri.

Combs Waterkotte is the leading Fourth Degree Domestic Assault Defense Law firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Fourth Degree Domestic Assault Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Even the lowest-level domestic assault charge in Missouri can have lasting consequences including a criminal record, protective orders, and jail time. If you’ve been accused of Fourth Degree Domestic Assault, don’t wait to protect your rights. The St. Louis domestic violence and criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte fight to keep cases off your record, reduce charges, and resolve cases before they escalate. Contact us today for urgent, confidential help.

What Is Fourth Degree Domestic Assault in St. Louis?

Under §565.076 RSMo, fourth degree domestic assault applies when someone commits one of several specific acts against a “domestic victim.” These acts do not have to cause injury to result in a criminal charge.

According to the statute, it includes situations where you allegedly:

• Attempt to cause or recklessly cause physical injury, pain, or illness
• Place a domestic partner in fear of immediate physical harm
• Engage in offensive physical contact with a domestic victim
• Negligently injure someone using a weapon
• Isolate a partner from access to communication, transportation, or medical care

“Domestic victim” means a person with whom the defendant has or had a close relationship. This includes:

• Current or former spouses
• Relatives by blood or marriage
• People who live or have lived together
• Partners in a romantic or intimate relationship
• Parents who share a child, even if they’ve never lived together

In summary: This is Missouri’s broadest domestic assault law, and prosecutors often use it in cases with no visible injury — especially when police are called during heated domestic disputes.

Can a Fourth Degree Domestic Assault Charge Be Dismissed in Missouri?

Yes — but it depends on how early and how strongly your defense team responds. Charges may be dropped if:

• The alleged victim refuses to testify or cooperate
• The police report lacks clear evidence of a crime
• You acted in self-defense or the incident was mutual
• Your attorney negotiates for pretrial diversion or deferred prosecution

Keep in mind, prosecutors do not need the victim’s cooperation to pursue charges. They often rely on police body cam footage, witness statements, or physical evidence.

In summary: With fast action and the right legal strategy, it’s possible to avoid a conviction — and even prevent charges from being filed at all.

Missouri Statutes Covering First Degree Assault

The Missouri Revised Statutes include two offenses called first degree assault.

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