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.
Maries County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Maries County and Missouri.
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 to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Maries County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Maries County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional 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. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Maries County, 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 criminal defense attorneys in Maries County, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually 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 carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Maries 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 are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe 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 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.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Maries County, MO
In Maries County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified 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 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 Maries County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Maries County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maries County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to 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 Maries County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical 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 Maries County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Maries 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 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Maries County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Maries County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Maries County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Maries County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maries County, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Maries County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Maries County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maries County and beyond:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Maries County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Maries County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to 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.
- Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Maries County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Maries County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Maries County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Maries 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 Maries County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.