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’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Des Peres, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert 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 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 inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves 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 an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Des Peres, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties 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: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Des Peres, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Des Peres, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Des Peres, MO

In Des Peres, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Des Peres, 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Injures 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 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 someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• 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 Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Des Peres, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO:

Crafting a Robust 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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring 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.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Des Peres, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:

• Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating 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.

Defending Your Rights in Des Peres, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Des Peres, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Des Peres, MO. This involves:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
• Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Des Peres, MO.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Des Peres, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Des Peres, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge 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. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Des Peres, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Des Peres, 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 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 confronted with assault charges in the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO.

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