Assault Lawyer in Greene County, MO. Facing assault charges in Greene 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 are facing an assault charge in Greene County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Greene 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 Greene County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally 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. On the other hand, battery 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 Greene County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Greene County, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Greene County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Greene County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Greene County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Greene County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Greene County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Greene 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 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 a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Greene 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.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Greene County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Greene County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Greene 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 injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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 Greene County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Greene County, 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 Greene County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Greene County, MO
No two assault cases in Greene 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations 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, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Greene County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Greene County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Greene County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Greene County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Greene County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Greene County, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Greene County, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Greene County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Greene County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Greene County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Greene County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Greene County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Greene County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Greene County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Greene County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Greene County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Greene County, MO area, 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 Greene 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 Greene County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
