Assault Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO. Being charged with assault in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Cape Girardeau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled Cape Girardeau, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Cape Girardeau, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Cape Girardeau, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Cape Girardeau, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Cape Girardeau, MO
In Cape Girardeau, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau, 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 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 Cape Girardeau, 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.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Cape Girardeau, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Cape Girardeau, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Cape Girardeau, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Cape Girardeau, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were 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 inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Cape Girardeau, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Cape Girardeau, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Cape Girardeau, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Cape Girardeau, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Cape Girardeau, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Cape Girardeau and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Cape Girardeau, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Cape Girardeau, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: 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 Cape Girardeau, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Cape Girardeau, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Cape Girardeau, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
