Assault Lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO. Being charged with assault in Cape Girardeau County, MO is a serious matter that can dramatically impact your life. From severe penalties like incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent record, in addition to the lasting social repercussions throughout Cape Girardeau County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Cape Girardeau County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Cape Girardeau County, MO defense attorney.
Legal Videos
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.
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 Cape Girardeau County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Cape Girardeau County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Cape Girardeau County, MO have handled:
- 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 includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Cape Girardeau 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 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.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Cape Girardeau County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Cape Girardeau County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Cape Girardeau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Cape Girardeau County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Cape Girardeau County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Cape Girardeau County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Cape Girardeau County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Cape Girardeau County, MO-area legal system can be overwhelming. An experienced assault defense lawyer is vital in helping you manage this challenging process. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is your best ally in Cape Girardeau County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Cape Girardeau County, MO
No two assault cases in Cape Girardeau County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Cape Girardeau County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Cape Girardeau County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Cape Girardeau County, MO
Once you are charged in Cape Girardeau County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Cape Girardeau County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Cape Girardeau County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Cape Girardeau County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Cape Girardeau County, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Cape Girardeau County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Cape Girardeau County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Cape Girardeau County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Cape Girardeau County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Cape Girardeau County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
