Assault Lawyer Shelby County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Shelby County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Shelby 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.
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 Shelby County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Shelby County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally 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. On the other hand, battery 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 Shelby County, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Shelby County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Shelby 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 often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Shelby County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Shelby County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Shelby County, MO

In Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Shelby 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Shelby County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Injures 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Shelby County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Shelby County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: These are classified 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 Shelby County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Shelby County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Shelby County, MO

No two assault cases in Shelby 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 inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• 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 Shelby County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Shelby County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• 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 Shelby County, MO

Once you are charged in Shelby County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Shelby County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Shelby County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Shelby County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Shelby County, MO. 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-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Shelby County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Shelby County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Shelby County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.