Assault Lawyer in Liberty, MO. Facing assault charges in Liberty, 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.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Liberty, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Liberty, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Liberty, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally 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 strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges in Liberty, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Liberty, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Liberty, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Liberty, MO? You need to speak with an expert Liberty, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Liberty, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Liberty, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Liberty, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
- 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 ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Liberty, 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 cases, it’s considered 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 an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Liberty, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted 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 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement 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.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying 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.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Liberty, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies might involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Liberty, MO
Once you are charged in Liberty, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Liberty, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Liberty, MO.
If you are accused of assault in or around Liberty, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best assault lawyer in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Liberty 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 Liberty, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Liberty, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Liberty, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Liberty, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Liberty, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Liberty, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Liberty, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Liberty, 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 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 get in touch online.