Assault Lawyer in Morgan County, MO. Facing assault charges in Morgan 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.
Morgan County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Morgan County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Morgan 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Morgan County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Morgan County, MO: A Guide to 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 cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical 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 Morgan County, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Morgan County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This typically 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 includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Morgan County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Morgan County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Morgan County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Morgan County, MO
In Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Morgan County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison. For other instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Morgan County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Morgan County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Morgan County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Morgan County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Morgan 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches 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, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Morgan County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Morgan County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Morgan County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Morgan County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Morgan County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Morgan County, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Morgan County, MO.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Morgan County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Morgan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Morgan County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Morgan County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Morgan County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Morgan County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Morgan County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Morgan County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Morgan County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
