Assault Lawyer Columbia, MO

Assault Lawyer in Columbia, MO. Facing an assault charge in Columbia, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Columbia, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re charged with assault in Columbia, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Columbia, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Columbia, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Columbia, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Columbia, 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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Columbia, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Columbia, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Columbia, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Columbia, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

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

First Degree Assault in Columbia, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Columbia, 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Harms 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Columbia, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Columbia, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Columbia, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury 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 Columbia, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Columbia, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Columbia, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Columbia, MO

No two assault cases in Columbia, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Columbia, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Columbia, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This might involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Columbia, MO

Once you are charged in Columbia, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Columbia, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you are accused of assault in or around Columbia, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Columbia, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Columbia, MO residents:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Assault Lawyer Columbia, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Columbia, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding 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-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Columbia, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Columbia, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO.

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