Assault Lawyer in Franklin County, MO. Being charged with assault in Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional 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. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, 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 Franklin County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Franklin County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- 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 carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Franklin County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Franklin County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Franklin County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Franklin County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Franklin County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Franklin County, 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Franklin County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to 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.
- 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Franklin County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Franklin County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Franklin County, 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 harm with a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Franklin County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Franklin County, MO
No two assault cases in Franklin County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing 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 Franklin County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Franklin County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Franklin County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Franklin County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Franklin County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Franklin County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Franklin County, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Franklin County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth 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 emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Franklin County, 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 more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Franklin County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Franklin County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Franklin County, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
