Kennett, MO

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Kennett, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Kennett, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Kennett, MO: Understanding 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges in Kennett, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Kennett, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Kennett, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Kennett, MO

In Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Kennett, 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Kennett, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Kennett, MO

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Kennett, MO

Each Kennett, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Kennett, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Kennett, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Kennett, MO

Once you are charged in Kennett, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kennett, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Kennett, MO. This includes:

• Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Kennett, MO.

When you are accused of assault in or around Kennett, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Kennett, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Kennett 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Kennett, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Kennett, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Kennett, MO. 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-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Kennett, 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.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Kennett, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in the Kennett, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. Reach out to the assault defense team at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled attorney. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your future in Kennett, MO. Contact the experienced assault attorneys at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing the best outcome for your case in Kennett, MO.

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