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Assault Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO. Facing assault charges in Maryland Heights, 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 are facing an assault charge in Maryland Heights, 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.
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 experienced Maryland Heights, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear 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 causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Maryland Heights, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced Maryland Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

  • 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 carry significant penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Maryland Heights, MO.
  • Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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: An escalated 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 harm.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Maryland Heights, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Maryland Heights, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Maryland Heights, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, 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.
    • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
    • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
    • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
    • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
  • 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 Maryland Heights, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maryland Heights, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
  • Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Maryland Heights, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:

    • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
    • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
    • Negligently causing physical harm using 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 Maryland Heights, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Maryland Heights, MO

Each Maryland Heights, 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:

  • Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
  • Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
  • Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
  • Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Maryland Heights, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Maryland Heights, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

  • Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
  • Negotiating 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Maryland Heights, MO

Once you are charged in Maryland Heights, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maryland Heights, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Maryland Heights, MO. This includes:

  • Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
  • Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
  • Representing you in court to build the best possible defense in Maryland Heights, MO.

When you are accused of assault in or around Maryland Heights, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Maryland Heights, MO residents:

    Assault Lawyer Maryland Heights, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Maryland Heights, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Maryland Heights, MO

    Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Maryland Heights, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

    • Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Maryland Heights, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
    • Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Maryland Heights, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
    • Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
    • Proven Track Record: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Maryland Heights, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

    Contact the Top Maryland Heights, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

    If you’re facing assault charges in Maryland Heights, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO.

    Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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