Assault Lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO. Being charged with assault in Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Lee’s Summit, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Lee’s Summit, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Lee’s Summit, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Lee’s Summit, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lee’s Summit, MO? You need to speak with an expert Lee’s Summit, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Lee’s Summit, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 Lee’s Summit, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lee’s Summit, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 Lee’s Summit, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Lee’s Summit, MO
Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lee’s Summit, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Lee’s Summit, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Lee’s Summit, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Lee’s Summit, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lee’s Summit, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lee’s Summit, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lee’s Summit 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 Lee’s Summit, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Lee’s Summit, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Lee’s Summit, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Lee’s Summit, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Lee’s Summit, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: 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 Lee’s Summit, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Lee’s Summit, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the Lee’s Summit, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.