Fulton, MO

Assault Lawyer in Fulton, MO. Being charged with assault in Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Fulton, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Fulton, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Fulton, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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. 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.

The severity of Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Fulton, 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 often have additional complications 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Fulton, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Fulton, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Fulton, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Fulton, 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 Fulton, 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 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 ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Fulton, 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.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Harms 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Fulton, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Fulton, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to 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 Fulton, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Fulton, MO

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Fulton, MO

No two assault cases in Fulton, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Fulton, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Fulton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This might involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Negotiating 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Fulton, MO

Once you are charged in Fulton, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Fulton, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

If you are accused of assault in or around Fulton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Fulton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Fulton, MO, leveraging over 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-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Fulton, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Fulton, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Fulton, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Fulton, 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 Fulton, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.