Assault Lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO. Facing assault charges in Lee’s Summit, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.
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’re charged with assault in Lee’s Summit, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Lee’s Summit, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 essence, assault involves 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. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Lee’s Summit, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Lee’s Summit, 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Lee’s Summit, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Lee’s Summit, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Lee’s Summit, MO
In Lee’s Summit, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, 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 occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, 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.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges 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 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 Lee’s Summit, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- 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 Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lee’s Summit, MO
Each Lee’s Summit, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Lee’s Summit, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Lee’s Summit, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Lee’s Summit, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Lee’s Summit, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lee’s Summit, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Lee’s Summit, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Lee’s Summit, MO.
When you are accused of assault in or around Lee’s Summit, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lee’s Summit and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lee’s Summit, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Lee’s Summit, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Lee’s Summit, MO. 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 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 successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Lee’s Summit, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Lee’s Summit, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and 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, 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 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
