Assault Lawyer in Scott County, MO. Being charged with assault in Scott County, 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 Scott County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Scott 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Scott County, 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 Scott County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often 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 individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Scott County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Scott County, MO have handled:
- 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 carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Scott 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 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 Scott County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Scott County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Scott County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Scott County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Scott County, 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Scott 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.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Scott County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Scott County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Scott 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 harm or offensive 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 Scott County, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Scott County, 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 Scott County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Scott County, MO
Each Scott County, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Scott County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Scott County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This might include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Scott County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Scott County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Scott County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Scott County, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to build the best possible defense in Scott County, MO.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Scott County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Scott County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Scott County, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Assault Lawyer Scott County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Scott County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Scott County, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Scott County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Scott County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Scott County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Scott County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Scott County, 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 Scott County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
