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.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
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.
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 experienced DeKalb County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher 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 often have additional complications 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the DeKalb County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled DeKalb County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in DeKalb County, MO
In DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided 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 results, 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 is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 instances, it is 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 causes physical injury to 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 DeKalb County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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 DeKalb County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
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
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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in DeKalb County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated DeKalb County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. This could include:
- Seeking 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.
Protecting 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 ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around DeKalb County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, 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, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in DeKalb County, MO. 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-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in DeKalb County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: 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 facing assault charges in or around DeKalb County, MO, 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.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
