Assault Lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Facing assault charges in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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.
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’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear 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 inflicting injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- 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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 can be more complicated due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
In Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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.
- 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 driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically harms 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Bellefontaine Neighbors and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
