Assault Lawyer in Newton County, MO. Facing assault charges in Newton 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 Newton 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Newton 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 Newton County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges in Newton County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Newton County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Newton 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 often have additional complications due to the close 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 could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Newton County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Newton County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Newton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Newton County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Newton County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Newton 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 Newton 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Newton 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 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.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Newton County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Newton County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Newton County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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 Newton County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Newton 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 Newton County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Newton County, MO
No two assault cases in Newton 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Newton County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Newton County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you might face. Strategies might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- 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.
Defending Your Rights in Newton County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Newton County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Newton County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Newton County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Newton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 residents in Newton County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Newton County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Newton County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined 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 why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Newton County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Newton County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Newton County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Newton County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Newton County, MO area, 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 Newton 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 Newton County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
