Assault Lawyer Franklin County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Franklin County, MO. Facing assault charges in Franklin County, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.

If you’re charged with assault in Franklin County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 a knowledgeable Franklin County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Franklin County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Franklin County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced Franklin County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• Simple Assault: This usually 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 encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Franklin County, 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 often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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 manner that could cause serious injury.

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

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 degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of 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 applies 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Franklin County, MO

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

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury 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 Franklin County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: 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 Franklin County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Franklin County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Franklin County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Franklin County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are accused of assault in or around Franklin County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, 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 over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Franklin County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Franklin County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Franklin County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Franklin County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Franklin County, MO, 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 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.