Madison County, MO

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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Madison County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Madison County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally 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 inflicting injury.” 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 skilled Madison County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• 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 result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Madison County, 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 can be more complicated due to the close 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 manner that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Madison County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Madison County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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

In Madison County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified 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. If no serious injury results, 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 applies 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Madison County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Madison County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in Madison County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Madison County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Madison County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Madison County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could include:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Madison County, MO

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

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Madison County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Madison County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Madison County, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Madison County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Madison County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Madison County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Madison County, MO.
• 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 350 reviews and track record throughout Madison County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Madison County, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. Contact the Combs Waterkotte assault lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case review with an experienced attorney. We’re here to help defend your rights and fight for your future in Madison County, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.