Florissant, MO

Assault Lawyer in Florissant, MO. Facing an assault charge in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

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.
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 a knowledgeable Florissant, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Florissant, MO: A Guide to 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Florissant, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Florissant, MO frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’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 severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties 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 can be more complicated 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

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

First Degree Assault in Florissant, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
• 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 Florissant, 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.
  • 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.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 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 an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: These are classified 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 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 harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury with 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Florissant, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Florissant, MO

No two assault cases in Florissant, 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 violations of your rights.
• Proving 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 being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Florissant, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This might include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Florissant, MO

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

If you are accused of assault in or around Florissant, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading 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 legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Florissant, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Florissant, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• 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 aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: Our more than 350 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 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.

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