Assault Lawyer in Glendale, MO. Being charged with assault in Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Glendale, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Glendale, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Glendale, MO 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 person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Glendale, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Glendale, MO frequently work on:
- 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Glendale, 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 are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Glendale, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Glendale, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Glendale, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Glendale, 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 Glendale, 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. 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 Glendale, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Glendale, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Glendale, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Glendale, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Glendale, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Glendale, MO
Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Glendale, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Glendale, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Glendale, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Glendale, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Glendale, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Glendale, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Glendale, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Glendale and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Glendale, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Glendale, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge 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-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Glendale, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Glendale, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Glendale, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Glendale, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Glendale, MO area, 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 Glendale, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.