Assault Lawyer in New London, MO. Facing an assault charge in New London, 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 New London, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
Ralls County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ralls County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in New London, 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 expert New London, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding New London, MO 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 strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in New London, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in New London, MO frequently deal with:
- 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 carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in New London, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the New London, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled New London, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer New London, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In New London, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in New London, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in New London, 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in New London, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in New London, 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 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 New London, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury 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 New London, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the New London, 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 New London, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in New London, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in New London, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced New London, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in New London, MO
From the moment you’re charged in New London, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte New London, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in New London, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the strongest possible defense in New London, MO.
If you’re accused of assault in or around New London, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in New London, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for New London, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in New London, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in New London, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in New London, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in New London, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout New London, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top New London, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in New London, MO, 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 New London, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.