Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. Facing assault charges in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Lake St. Louis, 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.
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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally 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 person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Lake St. Louis, 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 criminal defense attorneys in Lake St. Louis, MO 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 bring about severe consequences.
- 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lake St. Louis, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lake St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Lake St. Louis, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically harms 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 Lake St. Louis, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lake St. Louis, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Lake St. Louis, MO
Each Lake St. Louis, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lake St. Louis, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Lake St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Lake St. Louis, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Lake St. Louis, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lake St. Louis and beyond:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lake St. Louis, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Lake St. Louis, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Lake St. Louis, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Lake St. Louis, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Lake St. Louis, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lake St. Louis, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Lake St. Louis, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
