Assault Lawyer in Kirkwood, MO. Facing an assault charge in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Kirkwood, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Kirkwood, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Kirkwood, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Kirkwood, 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 way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Kirkwood, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Kirkwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Kirkwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Kirkwood, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Kirkwood, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Kirkwood, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Kirkwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kirkwood, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Kirkwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Kirkwood, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Kirkwood, MO
No two assault cases in Kirkwood, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Kirkwood, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Kirkwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Kirkwood, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Kirkwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kirkwood, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Kirkwood, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Kirkwood, MO.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Kirkwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Kirkwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Kirkwood, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Kirkwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Kirkwood, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. 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 Kirkwood, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Kirkwood, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Kirkwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Kirkwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Kirkwood, MO, 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 Kirkwood, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
