Putnam County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Putnam County, MO. Facing assault charges in Putnam County, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.

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 experienced Putnam County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Putnam County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 injury.” In essence, assault involves 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. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Putnam County, MO frequently work on:

• 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Putnam County, 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 often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way 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 is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Putnam County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Putnam County, 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.
  • 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.
  • Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 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 Putnam County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Putnam County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to 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 Putnam County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Putnam County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

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:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Putnam County, 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Putnam County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Putnam County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies might include:

• 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 Putnam County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Putnam County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Putnam County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Putnam County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Putnam County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Putnam County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Putnam County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Putnam County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Putnam County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Putnam County, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 contact us online.