Assault Lawyer in Manchester, MO. Facing an assault charge in Manchester, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Manchester, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Manchester, 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 strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Manchester, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Manchester, 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. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Manchester, 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 can be more complicated 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 could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Manchester, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Manchester, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Manchester, MO
In Manchester, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Manchester, 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Manchester, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by 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 driving or boating under the influence.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Manchester, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Manchester, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Manchester, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Manchester, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Manchester, MO
No two assault cases in Manchester, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Manchester, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Manchester, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Protecting Your Rights in Manchester, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Manchester, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Manchester, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Manchester, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Manchester, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Manchester, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Manchester, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Manchester, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Manchester, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Manchester, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Manchester, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Manchester, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Manchester, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
