Assault Lawyer in Madison County, MO. Being charged with assault in Madison County, 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 Madison County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Madison 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.
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 Madison County, 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: Understanding Madison County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Madison County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced Madison County, 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Madison County, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Madison County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Madison County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Madison County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Madison County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Madison County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Madison County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Madison County, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Madison County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Madison County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Madison County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Madison County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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 Madison County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Madison County, 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 Madison County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Madison County, MO
Each Madison County, 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 potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Madison County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Madison County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. Strategies might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Madison County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Madison County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Madison County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Madison County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Madison County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Madison County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Madison County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Madison County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Madison County, 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-Centered Approach: 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 Madison County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Madison County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Madison County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Madison County, MO, 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 Madison 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 Madison County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
