Boone County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Boone County, MO. Facing assault charges in Boone County, 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’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Boone 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Boone County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Boone County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is often 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 causing physical harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Boone County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Boone County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Boone County, 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 personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Boone County, MO

In Boone County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Boone County, 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 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 occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Boone County, 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Boone County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Boone County, MO occurs when an individual 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 Boone County, MO

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

Assault charges can be complex, and the Boone 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 Boone County, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Boone County, MO

Each Boone County, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Boone County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Boone County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Boone County, MO

Once you are charged in Boone County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Boone County, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal process in Boone County, MO. This includes:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Boone County, MO.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Boone County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Boone County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 Boone 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Boone County, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Boone County, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Boone County, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: 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 Boone County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Boone County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Boone County, 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 Boone County, MO.

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