Assault Lawyer in Ballwin, MO. Facing assault charges in Ballwin, 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.
If you are facing an assault charge in Ballwin, 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.
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 an experienced Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Ballwin, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled Ballwin, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Ballwin, 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 can be more complicated due to the close 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ballwin, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Ballwin, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
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.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Ballwin, MO
In Ballwin, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Ballwin, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Ballwin, 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 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ballwin, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ballwin, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Ballwin, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Ballwin, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Ballwin, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Ballwin, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Ballwin, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Ballwin, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Ballwin, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ballwin, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Ballwin, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Ballwin, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Ballwin and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Ballwin, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Ballwin, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Ballwin, 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-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Ballwin, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Ballwin, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Ballwin, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Ballwin, MO, 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 Ballwin, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
