Practice Area
Domestic Assault Defense in Missouri
Domestic assault charges can upend your life — even when the allegations are exaggerated or false. Jeff Goldfarb fights to protect your rights, your family, and your future.
Missouri Domestic Assault Law
Missouri law defines domestic assault as an assault committed against a family or household member, including spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, and people who have a child together or have lived together. Domestic assault is charged in four degrees, ranging from a Class A misdemeanor (4th degree) to a Class A felony (1st degree) depending on the severity of the alleged injury and the defendant's prior record.
Mandatory Arrest and No-Drop Policies
Missouri law requires police to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe domestic assault has occurred — even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. Many prosecutors offices have no-drop policies, meaning they will pursue the case even if the alleged victim later recants or refuses to cooperate. This means the case does not simply go away because the other party changes their mind.
Orders of Protection
A domestic assault arrest often triggers an order of protection (restraining order), which can prohibit you from returning to your home, contacting your children, or going near your workplace. Violating an order of protection is a separate criminal offense. Jeff moves quickly to challenge orders of protection and minimize their impact on your daily life.
Defense Strategies
Many domestic assault cases involve disputed facts, exaggerated claims, or allegations made in the context of a contentious divorce or custody dispute. Jeff investigates the full circumstances — prior communications, medical records, witness accounts, and the history of the relationship — to build a defense that tells the complete story.
Common Charges
- Domestic assault 1st degree (Class A felony)
- Domestic assault 2nd degree (Class B felony)
- Domestic assault 3rd degree (Class E felony)
- Domestic assault 4th degree (Class A misdemeanor)
- Violation of order of protection
- Stalking or harassment
Potential Consequences
- Prison or jail time
- Order of protection
- Loss of firearm rights
- Impact on child custody
- Employment consequences
- Immigration consequences
Defense Strategies
- Self-defense or defense of others
- False or exaggerated allegations
- Lack of physical evidence
- Inconsistent statements by accuser
- Mutual combat
- Challenge order of protection
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These charges move quickly. Call Jeff Goldfarb today to protect your rights and your family.