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Jackson, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Jackson, MO. Being charged with assault in Jackson, 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 Jackson, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in Jackson, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Jackson, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Jackson, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional 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 individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

The severity of Jackson, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Jackson, 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 simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Jackson, 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Jackson, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Jackson, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Jackson, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Jackson, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Jackson, 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Jackson, 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Jackson, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Jackson, 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, 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 Jackson, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:

    • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
    • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
    • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Jackson, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Jackson, MO-area legal system can be overwhelming. An experienced assault defense lawyer is vital in helping you manage this challenging process. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is your best ally in Jackson, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Jackson, MO

Each Jackson, 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 inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
  • Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
  • Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
  • Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Jackson, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Jackson, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

  • Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
  • Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
  • Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Jackson, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Jackson, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Jackson, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Jackson, MO. This includes:

  • 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 Jackson, MO.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Jackson, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Jackson, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 residents in Jackson and beyond:

Assault Lawyer Jackson, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Jackson, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Jackson, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Jackson, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Jackson, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

  • Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Jackson, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
  • Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Jackson, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
  • Relentless Advocacy: 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 Jackson, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Jackson, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Jackson, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.

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