Assault Lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Facing assault charges in Kansas City, 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.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Kansas City, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 a knowledgeable Kansas City, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Kansas City, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Kansas City, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Kansas City, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Kansas City, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Kansas City, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Kansas City, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Kansas City, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Kansas City, 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 occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Kansas City, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by 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.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Kansas City, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kansas City, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 Kansas City, 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 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 Kansas City, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Kansas City, MO-area legal system can be overwhelming. An experienced assault defense lawyer is vital in helping you manage this challenging process. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is your best ally in Kansas City, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Kansas City, MO
No two assault cases in Kansas City, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Kansas City, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Kansas City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Kansas City, MO
Once you are charged in Kansas City, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kansas City, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Kansas City, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Kansas City and beyond:
- Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Kansas City, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Kansas City, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Kansas City, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Kansas City, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Kansas City, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Kansas City, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Kansas City, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.