Assault Lawyer in Kennett, MO. Facing assault charges in Kennett, 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.
Dunklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Dunklin County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Kennett, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Kennett, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Kennett, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical 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 Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Kennett, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Kennett, MO? You need to speak with an expert Kennett, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Kennett, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Kennett, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Kennett, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- Penalties: If serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Kennett, 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 Kennett, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kennett, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Kennett, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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: 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:
Developing a Comprehensive 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Kennett, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Kennett, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Kennett, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Kennett, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kennett, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Kennett, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Kennett, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Kennett, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Kennett, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Kennett, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Kennett, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Kennett, 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 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 dealing with assault charges in or around Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
