Lewis County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Lewis County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Lewis County, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Lewis County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Lewis County, MO: Understanding 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Lewis County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the 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 could involve 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 Lewis County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lewis County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Lewis County, MO

In Lewis County, MO and throughout 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 Lewis County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Lewis County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 Lewis County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lewis County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• 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 Lewis County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Lewis County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Assault charges can be complex, and the Lewis County, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Lewis County, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Lewis County, 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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Lewis County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Lewis County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating 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.

Defending Your Rights in Lewis County, MO

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

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Lewis County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Lewis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lewis County 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 Lewis County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Lewis County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Lewis County, MO. 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-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Lewis County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Lewis County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lewis County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO.

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