Assault Lawyer in Clark County, MO. Being charged with assault in Clark 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 Clark County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in Clark County, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Clark County, MO defense attorney.
Legal Videos
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Clark County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Clark County, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Clark 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Clark County, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Clark County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Clark County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Clark County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clark County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Clark County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Clark County, MO and across 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 Clark 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 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 a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Clark County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 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 Clark County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Clark County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Clark County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Clark County, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Clark 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 Clark County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Clark County, MO
Each Clark 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Clark County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Clark County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. This might involve:
- 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Clark County, MO
Once you are charged in Clark County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Clark County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Clark County, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination or 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 Clark County, MO.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Clark County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Clark County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Clark County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Clark County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Clark County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Clark 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: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Clark County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Clark County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Clark County, 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 Clark County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
