Assault Lawyer in Oak Grove, MO. Being charged with assault in Oak Grove, MO is a serious matter that can dramatically impact your life. From severe penalties like incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent record, in addition to the lasting social repercussions throughout Oak Grove, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in Oak Grove, 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 an experienced Oak Grove, MO defense attorney.
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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 Oak Grove, MO: Understanding 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually 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 encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Oak Grove, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex 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.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Oak Grove, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Oak Grove, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Oak Grove, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Oak Grove, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Oak Grove, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Oak Grove, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Oak Grove, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Oak Grove, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Oak Grove, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any 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 Oak Grove, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Oak Grove, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Oak Grove, MO
Once you are charged in Oak Grove, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Oak Grove, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Oak Grove, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best assault lawyer in Oak Grove, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Oak Grove and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Oak Grove, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Oak Grove, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Oak Grove, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Oak Grove, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: 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 Oak Grove, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Oak Grove, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
