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.
Laclede County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Laclede County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Lebanon, 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 an expert Lebanon, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Lebanon, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally 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 cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery 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 Lebanon, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced Lebanon, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Lebanon, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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 manner that could cause serious harm.
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: Types of Assault Charges in Lebanon, MO
In Lebanon, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Lebanon, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges 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 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- 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 cases, it’s considered 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 someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Lebanon, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Lebanon, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Lebanon, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lebanon, MO
Each Lebanon, 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 discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Lebanon, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Lebanon, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient 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.
Protecting 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 ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lebanon, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Lebanon, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lebanon and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lebanon, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Lebanon, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- 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.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Lebanon, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Lebanon, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Lebanon, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
