Assault Lawyer in Platte City, MO. Being charged with assault in Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Platte City, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 harm.” In summary, 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 Platte City, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Platte City, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Platte City, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Platte City, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Platte City, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Platte City, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Platte City, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Platte City, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Platte City, 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- 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 personnel.
- 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 Platte City, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Platte City, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Platte City, 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 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 Platte City, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Platte City, MO
No two assault cases in Platte City, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing 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.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Platte City, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Platte City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. This might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Platte City, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Platte City, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Platte City, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Platte City, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Platte City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Platte City, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Platte City, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Platte City, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Platte City, MO. 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-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Platte City, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Platte City, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Platte City, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Platte City, MO area, 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 Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
