Ozark, MO

Assault Lawyer in Ozark, MO. Being charged with assault in Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Ozark, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often 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. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Ozark, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Ozark, MO frequently work on:

• 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 encompasses more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Ozark, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ozark, MO? You need to speak with an expert Ozark, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Ozark, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Ozark, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Ozark, 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 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 occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Ozark, 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.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Ozark, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ozark, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• 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 Ozark, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
  • 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 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 Ozark, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Ozark, MO

No two assault cases in Ozark, 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, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might 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 with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ozark, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Ozark, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies might include:

• Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Ozark, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Ozark, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ozark, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Ozark, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Ozark, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Ozark 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 Ozark, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Ozark, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Ozark, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Ozark, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Ozark, 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: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Ozark, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Ozark, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Ozark, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO.

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