Assault Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO. Facing assault charges in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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: Understanding O’Fallon, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery 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 can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in O’Fallon, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced O’Fallon, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in O’Fallon, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the O’Fallon, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled O’Fallon, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer O’Fallon, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- 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: 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in O’Fallon, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in O’Fallon, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 O’Fallon, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in O’Fallon, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in O’Fallon, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, 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 being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in O’Fallon, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced O’Fallon, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in O’Fallon, MO
Once you are charged in O’Fallon, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte O’Fallon, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around O’Fallon, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in O’Fallon, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for O’Fallon, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in O’Fallon, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in O’Fallon, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in O’Fallon, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around O’Fallon, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top O’Fallon, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
