Audrain County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Audrain County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Audrain County, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Audrain County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Audrain County, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Audrain County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Audrain County, 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, 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 Audrain County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Audrain County, MO 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 result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Audrain County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 way that could cause serious harm.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Audrain County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Audrain County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Audrain County, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Audrain County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Audrain County, 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Audrain 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 driving or boating under the influence.
  • 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Audrain County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Audrain County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in Audrain County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Audrain County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Audrain County, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Audrain County, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Audrain County, MO

No two assault cases in Audrain 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Audrain County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Audrain County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating 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.

Defending Your Rights in Audrain County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Audrain County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Audrain County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Audrain County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Audrain County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Audrain County, 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 Audrain County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Audrain County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Audrain County, 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 Audrain County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Audrain County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Audrain County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Audrain County, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. Reach out to the assault defense team at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled attorney. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your future in Audrain County, MO. Contact the experienced assault attorneys at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing the best outcome for your case in Audrain County, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.