Assault Lawyer in Jennings, MO. Being charged with assault in Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Jennings, 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.
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 experienced Jennings, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Jennings, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. 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 Jennings, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Jennings, MO frequently work on:
- 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 carry significant 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 penalties in Jennings, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Jennings, MO? You need to speak with an expert Jennings, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Jennings, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Jennings, 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 Jennings, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Jennings, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- 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 worker.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Jennings, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Jennings, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Jennings, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Jennings, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Jennings, MO
Each Jennings, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Jennings, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Jennings, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Jennings, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Jennings, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Jennings, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Jennings, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Jennings, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Jennings and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Jennings, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Jennings, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Jennings, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Jennings, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Jennings, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Jennings, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
