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Lexington, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Lexington, MO. Facing assault charges in Lexington, 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.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Lexington, 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.
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 Lexington, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Lexington, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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 individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO have handled:

  • 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 result in considerable penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Lexington, 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 personal relationships involved.
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Lexington, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Lexington, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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

Assault Lawyer Lexington, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Lexington, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Lexington, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Lexington, 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.
    • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
    • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
    • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
    • Harms 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Lexington, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lexington, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
  • Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Lexington, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:

    • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
    • Recklessly causing physical harm 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Lexington, MO

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

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lexington, MO

No two assault cases in Lexington, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

  • Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
  • Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
  • Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
  • Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Lexington, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Lexington, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:

  • Seeking reduced charges or more lenient 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Lexington, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Lexington, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lexington, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

  • Representing you in court to provide the strongest possible defense in Lexington, MO.
  • When you’re accused of assault in or around Lexington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Lexington, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Lexington, MO residents:

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

    Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lexington, MO

    Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Lexington, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Lexington, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

    • Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
    • Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Lexington, MO.
    • Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
    • Proven Track Record: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Lexington, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

    If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO.

    Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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