O’Fallon, MO

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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert O’Fallon, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in O’Fallon, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled O’Fallon, 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. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences 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 allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

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.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in O’Fallon, MO

In O’Fallon, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in O’Fallon, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
• 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 classified as 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Injures 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 instances, it is 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 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 O’Fallon, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 O’Fallon, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Assault charges can be complex, and the O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in O’Fallon, MO

No two assault cases in O’Fallon, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in O’Fallon, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated O’Fallon, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:

• Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in O’Fallon, MO

From the moment you’re charged in O’Fallon, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte O’Fallon, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around O’Fallon, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in O’Fallon, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in O’Fallon 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 O’Fallon, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in O’Fallon, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in O’Fallon, MO. 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in O’Fallon, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading O’Fallon, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in O’Fallon, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 O’Fallon, MO.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.