Assault Lawyer in Liberty, MO. Being charged with assault in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO defense attorney.
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Liberty, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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 can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Liberty, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Liberty, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Liberty, 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 are often more complex due to the close 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.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Liberty, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Liberty, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Liberty, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Liberty, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Liberty, 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 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 a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Liberty, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 Liberty, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Liberty, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Liberty, MO
Each Liberty, 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 inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Liberty, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Liberty, MO
Once you are charged in Liberty, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Liberty, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 Liberty and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Liberty, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Liberty, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Liberty, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Liberty, 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 Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Liberty, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Liberty, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Liberty, 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 Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
