Assault Lawyer in Florissant, MO. Being charged with assault in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Florissant, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Florissant, 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 in Florissant, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual 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 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 Florissant, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Florissant, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Florissant, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Florissant, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Florissant, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Florissant, 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 Florissant, 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Florissant, 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 causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Florissant, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Florissant, 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, 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 Florissant, 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 offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Florissant, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Florissant, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Florissant, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Florissant, MO
Each Florissant, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Florissant, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Florissant, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Florissant, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Florissant, MO. This includes:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to provide the best possible defense in Florissant, MO.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Florissant, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Florissant, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Florissant, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Florissant, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Florissant, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Florissant, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Florissant, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in Florissant, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Florissant, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
