Assault Lawyer in Henry County, MO. Being charged with assault in Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Henry County, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Henry County, 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: Understanding Henry County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of Henry County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Henry County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Henry County, 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 can be more complicated 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 way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Henry County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Henry County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Henry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Henry County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Henry County, MO
In Henry County, 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 Henry County, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Henry County, 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 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 Henry County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Henry County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Henry County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Henry County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Henry County, MO
Each Henry County, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Henry County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Henry County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Henry County, MO
Once you are charged in Henry County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Henry County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Henry County, MO. This includes:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to provide the strongest possible defense in Henry County, MO.
If you are accused of assault in or around Henry County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Henry County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Henry County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Henry County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Henry County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Henry County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Henry County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Henry County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Henry County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in the Henry County, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Henry County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
