Assault Lawyer Lafayette County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO. Facing assault charges in Lafayette County, 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’re charged with assault in Lafayette County, 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 Lafayette County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Lafayette County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Lafayette County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• Simple Assault: This usually 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Lafayette County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 Lafayette County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Lafayette County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Lafayette County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Lafayette County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Lafayette County, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Lafayette County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Lafayette County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lafayette County, MO occurs when someone 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, 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 Lafayette County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 Lafayette County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Lafayette County, 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 Lafayette County, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Lafayette County, MO

Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lafayette County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Lafayette County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Lafayette County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Lafayette County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lafayette County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Lafayette County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Lafayette County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lafayette County and beyond:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lafayette County, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Lafayette County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Centered Approach: 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 Lafayette County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Track Record: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Lafayette County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in Lafayette County, 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 Lafayette County, MO.

Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.