Assault Lawyer in Boone County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Boone County, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Boone County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
Boone County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Boone County and Missouri.
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 in Boone County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. 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 in Boone County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Boone County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually 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 involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Boone County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 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 categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Boone County, 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. Without serious injury, 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 knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 Boone County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Boone County, 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, 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 Boone County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Boone County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Boone County, 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 Boone County, MO:
Building a Strong 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, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Boone County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Boone County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Boone County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Boone County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Boone County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Boone County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Boone County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Boone County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Boone County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Boone County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Boone County, 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 maintain clear and consistent communication with our Boone County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Boone County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- 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 the Boone County, 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 Boone County, 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 Boone County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
