Maryland Heights, MO

Assault Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO. Facing an assault charge in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re charged with assault in Maryland Heights, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable 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 individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Maryland Heights, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Maryland Heights, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Maryland Heights, 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 can be more complicated due to the personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Maryland Heights, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Maryland Heights, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Maryland Heights, MO

In Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

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 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, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms 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 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 inflicts physical injury on 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 Maryland Heights, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
  • 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 injury 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Maryland Heights, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Maryland Heights, 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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches 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.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Maryland Heights, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Maryland Heights, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. This might involve:

• Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Maryland Heights, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Maryland Heights, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maryland Heights, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Maryland Heights, MO. This includes:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Maryland Heights, MO.

If you are accused of assault in or around Maryland Heights, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Maryland Heights, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Maryland Heights, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• 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.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Maryland Heights, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in Maryland Heights, 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 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.