Assault Lawyer in Lewis County, MO. Facing assault charges in Lewis County, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Lewis County, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and 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 experienced Lewis County, MO defense attorney.
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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 Lewis County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Lewis County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled Lewis County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Lewis County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lewis County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lewis County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Lewis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lewis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Lewis County, MO
In Lewis County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Lewis 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Lewis County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Lewis County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lewis County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Lewis County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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 Lewis County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Lewis 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 Lewis County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lewis 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, 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.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lewis County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Lewis County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Lewis County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Lewis County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lewis County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Lewis County, MO. This involves:
- Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to provide the best possible defense in Lewis County, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lewis County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best assault lawyer in Lewis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lewis County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lewis County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Lewis County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Lewis County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Lewis County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Lewis County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Reach out to the assault defense team at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled attorney. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your future in Lewis County, MO. Contact the experienced assault attorneys at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing the best outcome for your case in Lewis County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
