Assault Lawyer in Bridgeton, MO. Being charged with assault in Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Bridgeton, 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 experienced Bridgeton, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Bridgeton, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear 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 injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Bridgeton, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Bridgeton, MO frequently deal with:
- 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 encompasses 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 consequences in Bridgeton, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 Bridgeton, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Bridgeton, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Bridgeton, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Bridgeton, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Bridgeton, 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. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Bridgeton, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 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 Bridgeton, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Bridgeton, 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, 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 Bridgeton, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Bridgeton, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Bridgeton, MO
Each Bridgeton, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Bridgeton, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Bridgeton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Bridgeton, MO
Once you are charged in Bridgeton, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Bridgeton, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Bridgeton, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Bridgeton, MO.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Bridgeton, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best assault lawyer in Bridgeton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Bridgeton and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Bridgeton, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Bridgeton, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Bridgeton, 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-Focused: 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 Bridgeton, 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.
- Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Bridgeton, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Bridgeton, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Bridgeton, MO area, 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 Bridgeton, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
