Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO

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.
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 an experienced Hazelwood, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery 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 in Hazelwood, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Hazelwood, MO frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Hazelwood, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Hazelwood, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated 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 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 occurs, it’s classified as 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 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 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 Hazelwood, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious 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 injury with 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 Hazelwood, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Hazelwood, 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:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Hazelwood, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This might include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Hazelwood, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Hazelwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal process in Hazelwood, MO. This involves:

• Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Advocating for you in court to provide the strongest possible defense in Hazelwood, MO.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Hazelwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Hazelwood, MO residents:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Hazelwood, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Hazelwood, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Hazelwood, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Hazelwood, MO area, 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.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.