Dent County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Dent County, MO. Facing assault charges in Dent 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 are facing an assault charge in Dent County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your 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 experienced Dent County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Dent County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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 cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

The severity of Dent County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Dent County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Dent County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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: 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 way that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Dent County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Dent County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Dent County, MO

In Dent County, MO and throughout 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 Dent 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Dent 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 worker.
• Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Dent County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Dent County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Dent County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
  • 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 injury 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 Dent County, MO

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

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Dent County, MO

No two assault cases in Dent County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Dent County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Dent County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you face. This could include:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• 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 Dent County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Dent County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Dent County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Dent County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Dent County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Dent 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 Dent County, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Dent County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Dent County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Dent County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Dent County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Dent County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Dent County, 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 Dent 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 Dent County, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.