Assault Lawyer in Farmington, MO. Facing an assault charge in Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Farmington, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Farmington, MO defense attorney.
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Farmington, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Farmington, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Farmington, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Farmington, 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 are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Farmington, MO? You need to speak with an expert Farmington, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Francois County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Francois County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Farmington, MO
In Farmington, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Farmington, 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 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 a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Farmington, 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.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 Farmington, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Farmington, MO occurs when someone 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 Farmington, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can 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 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Farmington, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Farmington, MO
No two assault cases in Farmington, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Farmington, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Farmington, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Farmington, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Farmington, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Farmington, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Farmington, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Farmington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Farmington and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Farmington, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Farmington, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. 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 legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Farmington, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Farmington, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Farmington, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Farmington, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
