DeKalb County, MO

Assault Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO. Facing assault charges in DeKalb 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 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable DeKalb County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding DeKalb County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges in DeKalb County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled DeKalb County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in DeKalb 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 close 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around DeKalb County, MO? You need to speak with an expert DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO

In DeKalb County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized 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 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. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in DeKalb County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in DeKalb County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in DeKalb County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in DeKalb County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can 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 harm with 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 DeKalb County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the DeKalb County, MO-area legal system can be overwhelming. An experienced assault defense lawyer is vital in helping you manage this challenging process. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is your best ally in DeKalb County, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in DeKalb 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: 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 appears unavoidable, a dedicated DeKalb County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face. This might include:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter 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 DeKalb County, MO

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

If you’re accused of assault in or around DeKalb County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing 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 experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in DeKalb County, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in DeKalb County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our DeKalb County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in DeKalb County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in DeKalb County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading DeKalb County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the DeKalb County, MO area, 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 DeKalb County, MO.

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