Hannibal, MO

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Hannibal, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Hannibal, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Hannibal, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Hannibal, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Hannibal, MO 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 includes more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Hannibal, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Hannibal, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Hannibal, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Hannibal, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Hannibal, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Hannibal, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
• 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 Hannibal, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Hannibal, MO

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

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted 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 Hannibal, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Hannibal, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Hannibal, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Hannibal, 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 discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Hannibal, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Hannibal, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Hannibal, MO

Once you are charged in Hannibal, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hannibal, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring 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 Hannibal, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal and beyond:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Hannibal, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Hannibal, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Hannibal, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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.
• Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Hannibal, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in the Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO.

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