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Assault Lawyer Dallas County, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Dallas County, MO. Facing assault charges in Dallas County, 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 Dallas County, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Dallas County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Dallas County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

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

  • Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Dallas County, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Dallas County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Dallas County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Dallas County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Dallas County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Dallas County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Dallas County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Dallas County, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Dallas County, 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.
    • Physically 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Dallas County, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Dallas County, 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 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 Dallas County, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:

    • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
    • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted 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 Dallas County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Dallas County, 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 Dallas County, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Dallas County, MO

Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:

  • Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
  • Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
  • Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
  • Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Dallas County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Dallas County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. This might include:

  • Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
  • Advocating 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.

Defending Your Rights in Dallas County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Dallas County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Dallas County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

  • Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Dallas County, MO.
  • If you are accused of assault in or around Dallas County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best assault lawyer in Dallas County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Dallas County and beyond:

      Assault Lawyer Dallas County, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Dallas County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

      Assault Lawyer Dallas County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

      Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Dallas County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

      • Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
      • Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Dallas County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
      • Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
      • Proven Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Dallas County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

      If you’re confronted with assault charges in Dallas County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Dallas County, MO.

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

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