Assault Lawyer in Carrollton, MO. Facing assault charges in Carrollton, 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.
Carroll County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Carroll County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Carrollton, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Carrollton, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Carrollton, 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges in Carrollton, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Carrollton, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’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 severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Carrollton, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the 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 injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Carrollton, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Carrollton, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Carrollton, MO
In Carrollton, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Carrollton, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Carrollton, 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Carrollton, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Carrollton, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Carrollton, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Carrollton, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Carrollton, 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 Carrollton, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Carrollton, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Carrollton, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Carrollton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. This could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Carrollton, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Carrollton, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Carrollton, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Carrollton, MO. This involves:
- Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Carrollton, MO.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Carrollton, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Carrollton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Carrollton, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Carrollton, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Carrollton, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Carrollton, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Carrollton, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Carrollton, 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 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Carrollton, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Carrollton, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Carrollton, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Carrollton, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.