Arnold, MO

Assault Lawyer in Arnold, MO. Being charged with assault in Arnold, 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 Arnold, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in Arnold, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 expert Arnold, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Arnold, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person 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.

Assault charges in Arnold, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Arnold, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Arnold, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe 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.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Arnold, MO? You need to speak with an expert Arnold, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Arnold, MO

In Arnold, 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 Arnold, 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 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 occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Arnold, 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.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Physically 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 Arnold, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Arnold, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: These are classified 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 Arnold, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury with a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: This degree of assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the assault involves a special victim, it is a Class E Felony meaning up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Arnold, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Arnold, 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 Arnold, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Arnold, MO

Each Arnold, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Arnold, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Arnold, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Arnold, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Arnold, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Arnold, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Arnold, MO. This involves:

• Protecting you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Arnold, MO.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Arnold, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Arnold, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Arnold, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Arnold, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Arnold, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Arnold, 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 prioritize open communication with our Arnold, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Arnold, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Arnold, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Arnold, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Arnold, MO, 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 Arnold, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.