Assault Lawyer in Crestwood, MO. Facing an assault charge in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
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.
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.
Assault Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional 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 causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of Crestwood, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Crestwood, MO have handled:
- 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 involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Crestwood, 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Crestwood, MO? You need to speak with an expert Crestwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Crestwood, MO
In Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as 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 causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- 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 Crestwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Crestwood, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Crestwood, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Crestwood, MO
Each Crestwood, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Crestwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Crestwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Crestwood, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Crestwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Crestwood, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Crestwood, MO. This includes:
- Defending you against self-incrimination or 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 are facing an assault charge in or around Crestwood, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Crestwood and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Crestwood, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Crestwood, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding 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. 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 successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Crestwood, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Crestwood, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Crestwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in the Crestwood, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
