Maries County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Maries County, MO. Facing assault charges in Maries County, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.

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.
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 expert Maries County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Maries County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening 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.

Assault charges in Maries County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Maries County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter 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 can be more complicated 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

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 Maries County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Maries County, MO and across 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 occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
• Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Maries County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 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 cases, it’s considered 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 an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: These are classified 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 injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

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

Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Maries County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Maries County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This might involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• 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 could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maries County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Maries County, MO. This includes:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Maries County, MO.

When you’re accused of assault 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 securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Maries County and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer Maries County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Maries County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Maries County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: 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 Maries County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: 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.

Contact the Top Maries County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Maries County, MO area, 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 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.

Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.