Assault Lawyer in Butler County, MO. Being charged with assault in Butler County, 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 Butler County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Butler County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your 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 an expert Butler County, 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 Butler County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Butler County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Butler County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Butler County, 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: 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 harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Butler County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Butler County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Butler County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Butler County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Butler County, MO
In Butler County, 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 Butler County, 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 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 carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Butler County, 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.
- 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.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Butler County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Butler County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Butler County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- 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 Butler County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Butler County, 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 Butler County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Butler County, MO
No two assault cases in Butler County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing 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, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Butler County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Butler County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Butler County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Butler County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Butler County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Butler County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Butler County, 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 legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Butler County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Butler County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Butler County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Butler County, 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-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Butler County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Butler County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Butler County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Butler County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Butler County, 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 Butler County, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
