Assault Lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO. Facing assault charges in Excelsior Springs, 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 charged with assault in Excelsior Springs, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. 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.
The severity of Excelsior Springs, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Excelsior Springs, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Excelsior Springs, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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: A more severe 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 Excelsior Springs, MO? You need to speak with an expert Excelsior Springs, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Excelsior Springs, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Excelsior Springs, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Excelsior Springs, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Excelsior Springs, 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Excelsior Springs, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Excelsior Springs, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Excelsior Springs, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Excelsior Springs, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Excelsior Springs, 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 others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Excelsior Springs, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Excelsior Springs, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Excelsior Springs, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Excelsior Springs, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Excelsior Springs, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Excelsior Springs, MO. This includes:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to provide the strongest possible defense in Excelsior Springs, MO.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Excelsior Springs, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Excelsior Springs, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Excelsior Springs, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Excelsior Springs, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Excelsior Springs, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. 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 successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Excelsior Springs, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Excelsior Springs, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Excelsior Springs, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Excelsior Springs, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Excelsior Springs, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
