Assault Lawyer in Crestwood, MO. Being charged with assault in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO defense attorney.
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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 Crestwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Crestwood, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Crestwood, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Crestwood, 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: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Crestwood, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Crestwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Crestwood, MO
In Crestwood, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Crestwood, 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 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Crestwood, 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 knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of 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.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 Crestwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Crestwood, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Crestwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Crestwood, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Crestwood, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Crestwood, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Crestwood, MO
No two assault cases in Crestwood, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Crestwood, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Crestwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could include:
- Seeking 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Crestwood, MO
Once you are charged in Crestwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Crestwood, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Crestwood, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Crestwood, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Crestwood, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Crestwood, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Crestwood, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Crestwood, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Crestwood, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: 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 Crestwood, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Crestwood, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Crestwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
