Assault Lawyer in Monroe County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Monroe County, 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 Monroe County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in Monroe 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Monroe County, MO defense attorney.
Legal Videos
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Monroe County, 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. 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 Monroe County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced Monroe County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- 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 conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Monroe 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 are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 way that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Monroe County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Monroe County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Monroe County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Monroe County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Monroe County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- Penalties: If serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Monroe 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Monroe County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Monroe County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Monroe County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Monroe County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Monroe 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Monroe County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Monroe County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Monroe County, MO
Once you are charged in Monroe County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Monroe County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Monroe County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Monroe County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Monroe County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Monroe County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Monroe County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge 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 what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Monroe County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Monroe 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: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Monroe County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Monroe County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Monroe County, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Monroe County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
