Harrisonville, MO

Assault Lawyer in Harrisonville, MO. Facing assault charges in Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Harrisonville, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Harrisonville, MO: Understanding 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, 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 can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Harrisonville, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Harrisonville, MO have handled:

• 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 offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Harrisonville, 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: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Harrisonville, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Harrisonville, 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Injures 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Harrisonville, MO

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

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: This degree of assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the assault involves a special victim, it is a Class E Felony meaning up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Harrisonville, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Harrisonville, MO

Each Harrisonville, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Arguing 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.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential 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 Harrisonville, MO

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

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Harrisonville, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Harrisonville, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Harrisonville, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Harrisonville, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Harrisonville, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Harrisonville, 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Harrisonville, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Harrisonville, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Harrisonville, MO. 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-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Harrisonville, 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 Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Harrisonville, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in Harrisonville, MO, 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 Harrisonville, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.