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.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Lake St. Louis, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: A Guide to 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual 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 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 includes more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Lake St. Louis, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Lake St. Louis, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Lake St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Lake St. Louis, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, 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. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 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 to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Lake St. Louis, MO
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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Lake St. Louis, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Lake St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating 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 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 attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides 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 more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive 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 what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- 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 a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Lake St. Louis, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Lake St. Louis, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and 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 the Lake St. Louis, MO area, 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.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
