Assault Lawyer in Wildwood, MO. Facing assault charges in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional 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. 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.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Wildwood, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Wildwood, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Wildwood, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Wildwood, MO? You need to speak with an expert Wildwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Wildwood, MO
In Wildwood, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Wildwood, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Wildwood, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Wildwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Wildwood, 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 offense is categorized 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 Wildwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Wildwood, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Wildwood, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Wildwood, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Wildwood, MO
Each Wildwood, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Wildwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Wildwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Wildwood, MO
Once you are charged in Wildwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Wildwood, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Wildwood, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Wildwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 Wildwood, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Wildwood, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Wildwood, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Wildwood, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Wildwood, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Wildwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Wildwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
