Fayette, MO

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

If you’re charged with assault in Fayette, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and 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 a knowledgeable Fayette, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Fayette, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 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 Fayette, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Fayette, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Fayette, 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 can be more complicated due to the close 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 manner that could cause serious injury.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Fayette, MO

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

First Degree Assault in Fayette, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 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 Fayette, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Injures 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Fayette, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Fayette, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized as a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in Fayette, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Fayette, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Fayette, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving 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, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Fayette, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Fayette, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Advocating 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Fayette, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Fayette, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Fayette, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Fayette, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Fayette, 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 legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Fayette 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 Fayette, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Fayette, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Fayette, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Fayette, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Fayette, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Fayette, 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 Fayette, 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 Fayette, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.