Assault Lawyer in Howard County, MO. Facing assault charges in Howard 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 Howard 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.
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 Howard 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 in Howard County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally 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 inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Howard County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Howard County, MO frequently deal with:
- 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 conviction for simple assault 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 more severe consequences in Howard County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within 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 is alleged to have 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 Howard County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Howard County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Howard County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Howard County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Howard County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Howard County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Howard County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Howard County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 Howard County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical 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 Howard County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Howard 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 Howard County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Howard County, MO
Each Howard 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing 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 Howard County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Howard County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating 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.
Protecting Your Rights in Howard County, MO
Once you are charged in Howard County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Howard County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Howard County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Howard County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Howard County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Howard County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Howard County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Howard County, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Howard County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Howard County, 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 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Howard County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Howard County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Howard County, MO, 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 Howard County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
