Richmond, MO

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

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Richmond, 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 a knowledgeable Richmond, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Richmond, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, 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 Richmond, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Richmond, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Richmond, 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 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Richmond, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Richmond, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Richmond, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Richmond, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Richmond, 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 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 Richmond, 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Richmond, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Richmond, MO occurs when an individual 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 Richmond, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Richmond, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Richmond, MO

Each Richmond, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Arguing 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, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Richmond, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Richmond, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Richmond, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Richmond, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Richmond, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Richmond, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Richmond, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Richmond, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Richmond, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Richmond, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Richmond, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Richmond, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Richmond, 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 Richmond, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.