Jennings, MO

Assault Lawyer in Jennings, MO. Facing an assault charge in Jennings, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Jennings, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

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.
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 Jennings, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Jennings, MO 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. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical 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 knowledgeable Jennings, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Jennings, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications 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 injury.

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

In Jennings, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Jennings, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
• 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 classified as 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 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 a potential prison sentence of 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 severe assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Jennings, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Jennings, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Jennings, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Jennings, 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:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

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 penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Jennings, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Jennings, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Jennings, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Jennings, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Jennings, 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 staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Jennings 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 Jennings, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Jennings, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Jennings, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Jennings, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Jennings, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO.

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