Assault Lawyer in Plattsburg, MO. Being charged with assault in Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in Plattsburg, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte 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 Plattsburg, 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 in Plattsburg, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual 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 causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Plattsburg, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Plattsburg, 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Plattsburg, 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 often have additional complications 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 manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Plattsburg, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Plattsburg, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Clinton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clinton County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Plattsburg, MO
In Plattsburg, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Plattsburg, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Plattsburg, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Plattsburg, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Plattsburg, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to 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 Plattsburg, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Plattsburg, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Plattsburg, MO
No two assault cases in Plattsburg, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Plattsburg, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Plattsburg, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. This might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Plattsburg, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Plattsburg, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Plattsburg, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Plattsburg, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Plattsburg, 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 legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Plattsburg, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Plattsburg, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Plattsburg, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. 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 attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Plattsburg, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Plattsburg, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Plattsburg, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the Plattsburg, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Plattsburg, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
