Assault Lawyer in Overland, MO. Being charged with assault in Overland, 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 Overland, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Overland, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties 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 a knowledgeable Overland, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Overland, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Overland, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Overland, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Overland, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Overland, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Overland, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Overland, MO
In Overland, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Overland, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Overland, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Overland, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Overland, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 Overland, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Overland, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Overland, 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 Overland, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Overland, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Overland, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Overland, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Overland, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Overland, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Overland, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Overland, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Overland, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Overland, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Overland, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Overland, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Overland, 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.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Overland, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Overland, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Overland, 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 Overland, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
