Morgan County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Morgan County, MO. Facing assault charges in Morgan 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 Morgan 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Morgan County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Morgan County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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.

The severity of Morgan County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Morgan County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’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 serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Morgan County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Morgan County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Morgan County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Morgan County, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Morgan County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Morgan County, 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. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Morgan County, 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Morgan County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Morgan County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in Morgan County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Morgan County, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Morgan County, MO

No two assault cases in Morgan County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Morgan County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Morgan County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could include:

• Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Morgan County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Morgan County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Morgan County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Morgan County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Morgan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Morgan County, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Morgan County, 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 Morgan County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Morgan County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Morgan County, MO, 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.