Benton, MO

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Benton, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Benton, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Benton, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical 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 Benton, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Benton, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Benton, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Benton, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

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

First Degree Assault in Benton, 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 a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Benton, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Benton, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Benton, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Benton, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Benton, MO

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

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Benton, MO

No two assault cases in Benton, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Benton, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Benton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Benton, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Benton, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Benton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Benton and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Benton, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Benton, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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 legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Benton, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Benton, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Benton, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Benton, 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 Benton, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.