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.
Cape Girardeau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Jackson, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your 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 Jackson, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Jackson, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. 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 can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Jackson, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled Jackson, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher 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 often have additional complications 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 can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Jackson, MO? You need to speak with an expert Jackson, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Jackson, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Jackson, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
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, which ranges 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 Jackson, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Jackson, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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 Jackson, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Jackson, 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 Jackson, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Jackson, MO
No two assault cases in Jackson, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating 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 another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Jackson, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Jackson, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Jackson, MO
Once you are charged in Jackson, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Jackson, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Jackson, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Jackson, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Jackson and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Jackson, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Jackson, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Jackson, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Jackson, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Jackson, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: 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 the Jackson, 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 Jackson, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
