Butler County, MO

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Butler County, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Butler County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Butler County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person 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.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Butler County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Butler County, 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Butler County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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: 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 injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Butler County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Butler County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Butler County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

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

First Degree Assault in Butler 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 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 a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Butler 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Butler County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Butler County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Butler County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Butler County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Butler County, MO

Each Butler 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Butler County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Butler County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies might include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Butler County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Butler County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Butler County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are accused of assault in or around Butler County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Butler County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Butler County 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 Butler County, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Butler County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Butler County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Butler County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Butler County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Butler County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Butler County, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Butler 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 Butler County, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.