Livingston County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Livingston County, MO. Facing assault charges in Livingston County, 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 are facing an assault charge in Livingston County, 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 expert Livingston County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Livingston County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear 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 summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Livingston County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Livingston County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Livingston County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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 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 injury.

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

Assault Lawyer Livingston County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Livingston County, 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 Livingston 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 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 a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Livingston 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Livingston County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Livingston County, MO occurs when an individual 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 Livingston County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm with a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Livingston County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

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

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Livingston 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Livingston County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Livingston County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might involve:

• Negotiating for 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Livingston County, MO

Once you are charged in Livingston County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Livingston County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Livingston County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Livingston 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 staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Livingston 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Livingston County, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Livingston County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Livingston County, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

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

Reach Out to a Leading Livingston County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in the Livingston County, 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County, MO.

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