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Assault Lawyer Maryville, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Maryville, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and 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 Maryville, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Maryville, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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 strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Maryville, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Maryville, MO frequently work on:

  • Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Maryville, MO.
  • Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Maryville, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Maryville, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Maryville, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Maryville, 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 Maryville, 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Maryville, MO

  • Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
    • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
  • Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Maryville, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maryville, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
  • Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Maryville, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:

    • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
    • Recklessly causing physical injury 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 Maryville, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Maryville, MO

Each Maryville, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
  • Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
  • Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
  • Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Maryville, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Maryville, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This might include:

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

Safeguarding Your Rights in Maryville, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Maryville, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maryville, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Maryville, MO. This includes:

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

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Maryville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Maryville, 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 staff offers expertise in the following areas for Maryville, MO residents:

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

    Assault Lawyer Maryville, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

    At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Maryville, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Maryville, MO. 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 emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
    • Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Maryville, MO.
    • Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
    • Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Maryville, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

    Reach Out to a Leading Maryville, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

    If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Maryville, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Maryville, MO.

    Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.

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