Assault Lawyer in Chariton County, MO. Being charged with assault in Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Chariton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Chariton County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Chariton 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.
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 expert Chariton County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Chariton County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is 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 Chariton County, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Chariton County, MO frequently work on:
- 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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Chariton County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include 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 Chariton County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Chariton County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Chariton County, MO
In Chariton County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Chariton County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Chariton 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Chariton County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Chariton County, MO occurs when someone 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, 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 Chariton County, 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 injury or making unwanted physical 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Chariton County, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Chariton County, MO-area legal system can be overwhelming. An experienced assault defense lawyer is vital in helping you manage this challenging process. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is your best ally in Chariton County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Chariton County, MO
Each Chariton 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Chariton County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Chariton County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- 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 Chariton County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Chariton County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Chariton County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Chariton County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best assault lawyer in Chariton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Chariton County and beyond:

Assault Lawyer Chariton County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Chariton County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge 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. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Chariton 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 Chariton County, 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: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Chariton County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Chariton County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Chariton County, MO, 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 Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.