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Lebanon, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Lebanon, 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 an expert Lebanon, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Lebanon, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear 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 Lebanon, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Lebanon, MO frequently work on:

  • 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 bring about severe consequences.
  • Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Lebanon, 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 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 way that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lebanon, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lebanon, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Lebanon, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Lebanon, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Lebanon, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Lebanon, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Lebanon, MO

  • Criteria: First-degree assault occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
  • 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 Lebanon, 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.
    • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
    • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
    • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
    • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
  • 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Lebanon, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lebanon, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
  • Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Lebanon, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:

    • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
    • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
    • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Lebanon, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Lebanon, MO

No two assault cases in Lebanon, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
  • Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
  • Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
  • Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Lebanon, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Lebanon, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This could include:

  • Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
  • Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
  • Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Lebanon, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Lebanon, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lebanon, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

  • Advocating for you in court to provide the strongest possible defense in Lebanon, MO.
  • When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lebanon, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Lebanon, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lebanon and beyond:

    Assault Lawyer Lebanon, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Lebanon, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Assault Lawyer Lebanon, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

    Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Lebanon, MO, leveraging over three decades of 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 why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

    • Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Lebanon, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
    • Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Lebanon, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
    • Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
    • Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Lebanon, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

    If you’re dealing with assault charges in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO.

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

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