Clark County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Clark County, MO. Facing assault charges in Clark County, 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 facing assault charges anywhere in the Clark County, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties 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 an experienced Clark County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Clark County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Clark County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Clark County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as 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 within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the 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 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.

Assault Lawyer Clark County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Clark County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Clark County, 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 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 Clark County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 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 with a potential prison sentence of 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 harm.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Clark County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury with 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: 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:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working 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 seems likely, a dedicated Clark County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending 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 is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are accused of assault in or around Clark County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Clark County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Clark County and beyond:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Clark County, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Clark County, MO, leveraging 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 what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Clark County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside 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.

Reach Out to a Leading Clark County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Clark County, 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 Clark County, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.