Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO

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’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Florissant, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Florissant, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Florissant, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 summary, assault is 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 an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Florissant, MO 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Florissant, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

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.

Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Florissant, MO and throughout 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 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 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Injures 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Florissant, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Florissant, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• 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 Florissant, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Florissant, MO

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Florissant, 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 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:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Florissant, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. This might include:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Florissant, MO

Once you are charged in Florissant, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Florissant, MO. This involves:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Florissant, MO.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Florissant, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Florissant and beyond:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Florissant, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Florissant, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Centered Approach: 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 a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Florissant, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Florissant, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Florissant, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.