Lake St. Louis, MO

Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. Facing an assault charge in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Lake St. Louis, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties 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 an experienced Lake St. Louis, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

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

Assault charges in Lake St. Louis, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Lake St. Louis, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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: An enhanced 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.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lake St. Louis, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lake St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us 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 across Missouri, assault charges are divided 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury results, it’s 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 is applicable 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.
  • Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 with potential imprisonment ranging 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 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 Lake St. Louis, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical 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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lake St. Louis, MO

No two assault cases in Lake St. Louis, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying 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.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Lake St. Louis, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Lake St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This might involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Lake St. Louis, MO

Once you are charged in Lake St. Louis, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Lake St. Louis, MO. This includes:

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

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lake St. Louis 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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Lake St. Louis, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Lake St. Louis, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Lake St. Louis, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like 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.
• Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Lake St. Louis, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Lake St. Louis, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re confronted with assault charges in Lake St. Louis, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.

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