Ferguson, MO

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

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Ferguson, 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.
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 an experienced Ferguson, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Ferguson, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. 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 Ferguson, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Ferguson, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• 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 result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Ferguson, 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: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Ferguson, MO

In Ferguson, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Ferguson, 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. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Ferguson, 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.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Ferguson, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ferguson, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to 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 Ferguson, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can 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 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Ferguson, MO

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

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Ferguson, MO

No two assault cases in Ferguson, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Ferguson, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Ferguson, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:

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

Defending Your Rights in Ferguson, MO

Once you are charged in Ferguson, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ferguson, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Ferguson, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Ferguson, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Ferguson, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Ferguson, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Ferguson, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Ferguson, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Ferguson, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Ferguson, MO area, 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 Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO.

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