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Kansas City, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Facing an assault charge in Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Kansas City, 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 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 generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Kansas City, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Kansas City, MO have handled:

  • 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 simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Kansas City, 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 can be more complicated due to the close personal relationships involved.
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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 injury.

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 | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Kansas City, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Kansas City, MO

In Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Kansas City, MO

  • Criteria: First-degree assault occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
  • 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Kansas City, 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.
    • 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Kansas City, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kansas City, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on 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 Kansas City, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:

    • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
    • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
    • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Kansas City, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

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:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Kansas City, MO

Each Kansas City, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
  • Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
  • Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
  • Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Kansas City, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Kansas City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This might involve:

  • Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
  • Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
  • Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Kansas City, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Kansas City, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kansas City, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Kansas City, MO. This involves:

  • Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
  • Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
  • Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Kansas City, MO.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Kansas City, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Kansas City, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer Kansas City, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Kansas City, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Kansas City, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Kansas City, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Kansas City, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
  • 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.
  • Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
  • Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Kansas City, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in the Kansas City, MO area, 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 Kansas City, MO.

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

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