Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Facing assault charges in Hazelwood, 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’re charged with assault in Hazelwood, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Hazelwood, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Hazelwood, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Hazelwood, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Hazelwood, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Hazelwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
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.
Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Hazelwood, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Hazelwood, 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Hazelwood, 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Hazelwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Hazelwood, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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 Hazelwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 Hazelwood, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Hazelwood, MO
No two assault cases in Hazelwood, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: 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.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Hazelwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Hazelwood, MO
Once you are charged in Hazelwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Hazelwood, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Hazelwood and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Hazelwood, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth 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 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 successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Hazelwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in Hazelwood, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
