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.
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 charged with assault in Crestwood, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Crestwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often 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 strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves 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 typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Crestwood, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner 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.
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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
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.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 instances, it is 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 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, 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 severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
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:
Developing a Comprehensive 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce 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 might face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Crestwood, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Crestwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Crestwood, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Crestwood, MO. This includes:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to provide the best possible defense in Crestwood, MO.
If you’re 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 protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Crestwood, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive 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. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Crestwood, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to 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: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Crestwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Crestwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in Crestwood, 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 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.