Henry County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Henry County, MO. Facing assault charges in Henry County, 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 Henry County, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Henry County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Henry County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive 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 can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Henry County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Henry County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually 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 includes more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Henry County, 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 are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Henry County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Henry County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Henry County, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Henry County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

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 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 a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

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.
  • 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 responder.
• Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 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 inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 severe assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of 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

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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Henry County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Henry County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Henry County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Henry County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|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:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Advocating for you in court to provide the best possible defense in Henry County, MO.

When 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 protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Henry County and beyond:

• 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 Henry County, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Henry County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Henry County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Henry County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Henry County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Henry County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.