Assault Lawyer Liberty, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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 a knowledgeable Liberty, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Liberty, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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.

Assault charges in Liberty, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Liberty, MO frequently deal with:

Simple Assault: This usually 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 result in considerable penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Liberty, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include 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 Liberty, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Liberty, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Liberty, MO

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

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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Liberty, MO

Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
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 causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
Penalties: These are classified as 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 Liberty, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Liberty, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Liberty, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support 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:

Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting 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 testimonies from witnesses.
Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Liberty, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Liberty, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could include:

Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Liberty, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Liberty, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Liberty, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

Advocating for you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Liberty, MO.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Liberty, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Liberty, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 Liberty and beyond:

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