Assault Lawyer in Johnson County, MO. Facing assault charges in Johnson 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.
Johnson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Johnson County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Johnson County, 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.
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 Johnson County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Johnson County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Johnson County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Johnson County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Johnson County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Johnson County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Johnson County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Johnson County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Johnson County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Johnson County, 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 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 Johnson County, 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.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Johnson County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Johnson County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Johnson County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical 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 Johnson County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Johnson County, 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 Johnson County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Johnson County, 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 violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Johnson County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Johnson County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Johnson County, MO
Once you are charged in Johnson County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Johnson County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Johnson County, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Johnson County, MO.
If you are accused of assault in or around Johnson County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Johnson County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Johnson County, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Johnson County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Johnson County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Johnson County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Johnson County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Johnson County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in Johnson County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Johnson County, 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 Johnson County, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.