Assault Lawyer in Smithville, MO. Facing assault charges in Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual 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 in Smithville, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Smithville, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Smithville, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Smithville, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Smithville, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Smithville, MO
In Smithville, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Smithville, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Smithville, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Smithville, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Smithville, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 Smithville, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This degree of assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the assault involves a special victim, it is a Class E Felony meaning up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Smithville, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Smithville, MO
No two assault cases in Smithville, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Smithville, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Smithville, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face. Strategies might include:
- Negotiating for 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 Smithville, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Smithville, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Smithville, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Smithville, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Smithville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Smithville and beyond:
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plan
- Assault Defense Lawyer
Assault Lawyer Smithville, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Smithville, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Smithville, 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-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Smithville, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Smithville, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Smithville, MO, 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 Smithville, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
