Assault Lawyer Kearney, MO

Assault Lawyer in Kearney, MO. Facing assault charges in Kearney, 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.

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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Kearney, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Kearney, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is often 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 cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Kearney, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Kearney, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Kearney, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 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.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Kearney, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Kearney, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Kearney, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Kearney, 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 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 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, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Kearney, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 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 assault cases, they’re 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 to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Kearney, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury 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 Kearney, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Kearney, MO

Each Kearney, 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working 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, a dedicated Kearney, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Kearney, MO

Once you are charged in Kearney, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kearney, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Kearney, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal 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 experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Kearney and beyond:

• Violent Crimes Lawyer
• Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• Order of Protection Defense Lawyers
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• DWI/DUI Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyers

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Kearney, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Kearney, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Kearney, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Kearney, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.