Assault Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO

Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. Facing assault charges in Lake St. Louis, 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 are facing an assault charge in Lake St. Louis, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Lake St. Louis, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical 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 Lake St. Louis, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Lake St. Louis, 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. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Lake St. Louis, 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 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lake St. Louis, MO? You need to speak with an expert Lake St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, 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, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lake St. Louis, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on 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 Lake St. Louis, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Lake St. Louis, MO

Each Lake St. Louis, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken 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 potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lake St. Louis, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Lake St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you face. This could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Lake St. Louis, MO

Once you are charged in Lake St. Louis, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Lake St. Louis, MO. This involves:

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

If you’re accused of assault in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lake St. Louis, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Lake St. Louis, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Lake St. Louis, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Focused: 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 Lake St. Louis, 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: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lake St. Louis, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Lake St. Louis, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.

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