Assault Lawyer in Jackson County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Jackson County, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Jackson County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in Jackson County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Jackson County, MO defense attorney.
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Jackson County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of Jackson County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Jackson County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Jackson County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Jackson County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Jackson County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Jackson County, MO
In Jackson County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Jackson County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
- Penalties: If serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Jackson County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Jackson County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Jackson County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Jackson County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Jackson County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Jackson County, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Jackson County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Jackson County, MO
Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Jackson County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Jackson County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies might involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Jackson County, MO
Once you are charged in Jackson County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Jackson County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Jackson County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Jackson County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Jackson County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Jackson County, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Jackson County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Jackson County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Jackson County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Jackson County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Jackson County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Jackson County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. Contact the Combs Waterkotte assault lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case review with an experienced attorney. We’re here to help defend your rights and fight for your future in Jackson County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
