Kirkwood, MO

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

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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Kirkwood, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Kirkwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally 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 cause physical harm. 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.

The severity of Kirkwood, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced Kirkwood, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• 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 result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing 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 living in 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Kirkwood, MO? You need to speak with an expert Kirkwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call 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 classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Kirkwood, 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. 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 applies 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Injures 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 instances, it is 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 causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: These are classified as 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 Kirkwood, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Kirkwood, MO

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

• Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Kirkwood, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Kirkwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face. Strategies might involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Kirkwood, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Kirkwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kirkwood, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Kirkwood, MO. This includes:

• Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Kirkwood, MO.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Kirkwood, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Kirkwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Kirkwood, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Kirkwood, 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 emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Kirkwood, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: 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 Kirkwood, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO.

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