Johnson County, MO

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

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.
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 expert Johnson County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Johnson County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally 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 cause physical harm. 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.

The severity of Johnson County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Johnson County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe 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: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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: Types of Assault Charges in Johnson County, MO

In Johnson County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

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. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Johnson County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Johnson County, 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, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in Johnson County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Johnson County, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Johnson County, 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 Johnson County, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Johnson County, MO

Each Johnson County, 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 potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Johnson County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Johnson County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This might include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Johnson County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Johnson County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Johnson County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Johnson County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Johnson County 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 Johnson County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Johnson County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Johnson County, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Johnson County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Results: 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 or around Johnson County, MO, 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 Johnson County, MO.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.