Assault Lawyer Des Peres, MO

Assault Lawyer in Des Peres, MO. Being charged with assault in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you are facing an assault charge in Des Peres, 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.
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 a knowledgeable Des Peres, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Des Peres, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often 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 cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Des Peres, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Des Peres, 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 can be more complicated 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Des Peres, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
• Penalties: If serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Des Peres, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical 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 Des Peres, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Des Peres, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Des Peres, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could 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 Des Peres, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Des Peres, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Des Peres, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Des Peres and beyond:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Des Peres, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Des Peres, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Des Peres, 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 prioritize open communication with our Des Peres, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Des Peres, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Des Peres, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Des Peres, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.