Assault Lawyer in Maries County, MO. Being charged with assault in Maries 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 Maries County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in Maries County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Maries 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 Maries County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Maries County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced Maries 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 simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Maries 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 close 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 way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Maries County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Maries County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Maries County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Maries County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Maries County, MO
In Maries County, MO and throughout 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 Maries County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Maries 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Injures 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Maries County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maries 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 Maries County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Maries County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Maries County, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Maries County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Maries County, MO
No two assault cases in Maries County, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Maries County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Maries County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Maries County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Maries County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maries County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Maries County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Maries County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maries County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Maries County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Maries County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Maries County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Maries County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Maries County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Maries County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Maries County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Maries County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
