Assault Lawyer in New Madrid County, MO. Facing an assault charge in New Madrid 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 New Madrid County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
New Madrid County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in New Madrid County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in New Madrid County, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable New Madrid County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in New Madrid County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional 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 short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of New Madrid County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in New Madrid County, MO 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in New Madrid County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve 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 New Madrid County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced New Madrid County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in New Madrid County, MO
In New Madrid County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in New Madrid County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in New Madrid 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in New Madrid County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in New Madrid County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 New Madrid County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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 New Madrid County, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in New Madrid County, 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 New Madrid County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in New Madrid County, MO
No two assault cases in New Madrid County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in New Madrid County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced New Madrid County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, 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 Madrid County, MO
Once you are charged in New Madrid County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte New Madrid County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around New Madrid County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in New Madrid County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in New Madrid 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in New Madrid County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in New Madrid County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth 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 New Madrid County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in New Madrid County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: 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 New Madrid County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top New Madrid County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the New Madrid County, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Madrid County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.