Excelsior Springs, MO

Assault Lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO. Facing an assault charge in Excelsior Springs, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Excelsior Springs, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Excelsior Springs, 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 a knowledgeable Excelsior Springs, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Excelsior Springs, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear 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 summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges in Excelsior Springs, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled Excelsior Springs, 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 carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Excelsior Springs, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 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 way that could cause serious injury.

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

Assault Lawyer Excelsior Springs, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Excelsior Springs, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Excelsior Springs, MO

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

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Excelsior Springs, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Excelsior Springs, MO

Each Excelsior Springs, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:

• Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential 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 Excelsior Springs, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Excelsior Springs, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Excelsior Springs, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Excelsior Springs, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Excelsior Springs, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Excelsior Springs, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Excelsior Springs, 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 legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Excelsior Springs and beyond:

• 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 Excelsior Springs, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Excelsior Springs, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Excelsior Springs, 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 prioritize open communication with our Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Excelsior Springs, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Excelsior Springs, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Excelsior Springs, 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 Excelsior Springs, MO.

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