Assault Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO. Being charged with assault in DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the DeKalb 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert DeKalb County, MO defense attorney.
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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: Understanding DeKalb County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of DeKalb County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled DeKalb 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in DeKalb County, 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 escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around DeKalb County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced DeKalb County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer DeKalb County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In DeKalb County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in DeKalb County, 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in DeKalb County, 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in DeKalb County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in DeKalb County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in DeKalb County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in DeKalb County, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in DeKalb County, MO
Each DeKalb County, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating 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. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in DeKalb County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated DeKalb County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This could involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in DeKalb County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in DeKalb County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around DeKalb County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in DeKalb County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer DeKalb County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in DeKalb County, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge 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 why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our DeKalb County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in DeKalb County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout DeKalb County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading DeKalb County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the DeKalb County, MO area, 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 DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
