Kearney, MO

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Kearney, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Kearney, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Kearney, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional 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 inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

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

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Kearney, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex 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 could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Kearney, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Kearney, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Kearney, MO

In Kearney, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Kearney, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Kearney, 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Harms 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Kearney, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kearney, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Kearney, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Kearney, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Assault charges can be complex, and the Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Kearney, MO

No two assault cases in Kearney, 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 potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning 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.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Kearney, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Kearney, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Advocating 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 Kearney, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Kearney, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kearney, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Kearney, MO. This involves:

• Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Advocating for you in court to provide the best possible defense in Kearney, MO.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Kearney, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Kearney, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Kearney, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• DWI/DUI Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Kearney, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Kearney, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Kearney, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Kearney, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Kearney, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Kearney, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

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

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