Assault Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO. Being charged with assault in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
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.
If you are facing an assault charge in Maryland Heights, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Maryland Heights, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Maryland Heights, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges in Maryland Heights, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Maryland Heights, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Maryland Heights, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Maryland Heights, MO? You need to speak with an expert Maryland Heights, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, 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 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maryland Heights, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Maryland Heights, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- 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 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Maryland Heights, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Maryland Heights, MO
Each Maryland Heights, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Maryland Heights, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Maryland Heights, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Maryland Heights, MO
Once you are charged in Maryland Heights, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maryland Heights, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Maryland Heights, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Maryland Heights, MO.
If you are accused of assault in or around Maryland Heights, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryland Heights and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Maryland Heights, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Maryland Heights, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Maryland Heights, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
