Assault Lawyer in Bolivar, MO. Being charged with assault in Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Bolivar, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally 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. 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.
The severity of Bolivar, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Bolivar, MO have handled:
- 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Bolivar, 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 often have additional complications 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.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Bolivar, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Bolivar, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Polk County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Polk County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Bolivar, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Bolivar, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Bolivar, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Bolivar, 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Bolivar, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Bolivar, 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, 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 Bolivar, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Bolivar, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Bolivar, 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 Bolivar, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Bolivar, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- 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.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Bolivar, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Bolivar, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Bolivar, MO
Once you are charged in Bolivar, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Bolivar, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Bolivar, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best assault lawyer in Bolivar, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Bolivar and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Bolivar, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Bolivar, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Bolivar, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Bolivar, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Bolivar, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Bolivar, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Bolivar, MO area, 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 Bolivar, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
