Columbia, MO

Assault Lawyer in Columbia, MO. Facing assault charges in Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Columbia, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Columbia, 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 individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

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

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified 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 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way 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: Types of Assault Charges in Columbia, MO

In Columbia, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of 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 a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Columbia, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • 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 instances, it is 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 an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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 harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 Columbia, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive 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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Columbia, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Columbia, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This might involve:

• Negotiating for 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Columbia, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Columbia, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Columbia, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Columbia, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Columbia, 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 staff provides expertise in the following areas for Columbia, MO residents:

• 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 Columbia, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Columbia, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth 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 prioritize open communication with our Columbia, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to 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 Results: 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.

Contact the Top Columbia, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

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

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.