Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Being charged with assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO is a serious matter that can dramatically impact your life. From severe penalties like incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent record, in addition to the lasting social repercussions throughout Ste. Genevieve, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Ste. Genevieve, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO defense attorney.
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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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Ste. Genevieve, MO frequently work on:
- 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 carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO? You need to speak with an expert Ste. Genevieve, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO
In Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve, 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 potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO
Once you are charged in Ste. Genevieve, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Ste. Genevieve and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Ste. Genevieve, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Ste. Genevieve, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Ste. Genevieve, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Ste. Genevieve, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
