Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Being charged with assault in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
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.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Hazelwood, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Hazelwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 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 knowledgeable 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. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties 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 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 can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Hazelwood, MO? You need to speak with an expert Hazelwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges
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 an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- Penalties: If serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury occurs, 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 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Hazelwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Hazelwood, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated 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 injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Hazelwood, MO
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:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Hazelwood, MO
Each Hazelwood, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any 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.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Hazelwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Hazelwood, MO
Once you are charged in Hazelwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Hazelwood, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Hazelwood, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Hazelwood, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Hazelwood, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Hazelwood, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Hazelwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Hazelwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Hazelwood, MO, 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 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
