Assault Lawyer in Belton, MO. Being charged with assault in Belton, 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 Belton, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Belton, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Belton, 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: Understanding Belton, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Belton, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Belton, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes 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 much stricter penalties in Belton, 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: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Belton, MO? You need to speak with an expert Belton, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Cass County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cass County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Belton, MO
In Belton, 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 Belton, 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. 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 Belton, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Belton, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Belton, MO occurs when an individual 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, 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 Belton, 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 harm 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 Belton, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Belton, 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 Belton, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Belton, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Belton, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Belton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Belton, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Belton, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Belton, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Belton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Belton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Belton and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Belton, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Belton, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Belton, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Belton, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Belton, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Belton, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Belton, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Belton, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
