Assault Lawyer in Putnam County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Putnam County, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Putnam County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Putnam County, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Putnam County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Putnam County, 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Putnam County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced Putnam County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Putnam County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications 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 could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Putnam County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Putnam County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Putnam County, MO
In Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Putnam County, 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 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, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Putnam County, 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 intentionally inflicts injury using 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.
- Injures 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Putnam County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Putnam County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Putnam County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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 Putnam County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Putnam County, MO
No two assault cases in Putnam County, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: 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.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Putnam County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Putnam County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient 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 Putnam County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Putnam County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Putnam County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Putnam County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Putnam County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Putnam County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Putnam County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Putnam County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Putnam County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Putnam County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Putnam County, 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 Putnam County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
