Cape Girardeau, MO

Assault Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO. Facing assault charges in Cape Girardeau, 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 charged with assault in Cape Girardeau, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 a knowledgeable Cape Girardeau, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Cape Girardeau, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual 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 harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Cape Girardeau, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Cape Girardeau, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Cape Girardeau, 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: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Cape Girardeau, MO? You need to speak with an expert Cape Girardeau, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Cape Girardeau, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Cape Girardeau, MO and throughout 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 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Cape Girardeau, 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.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 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 cases, it’s considered 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 an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Cape Girardeau, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted 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 Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

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:

Building a Strong 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential 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.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Cape Girardeau, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Cape Girardeau, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient 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.

Defending Your Rights in Cape Girardeau, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Cape Girardeau, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Cape Girardeau, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Cape Girardeau, MO. This involves:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to build the best possible defense in Cape Girardeau, MO.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Cape Girardeau, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Cape Girardeau, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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-First Philosophy: 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 aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Cape Girardeau, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Cape Girardeau, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

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

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.