Assault Lawyer Scott County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Scott County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Scott 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 Scott County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you are facing an assault charge in Scott County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your 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 a knowledgeable Scott County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Scott County, MO: Understanding 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

The severity of Scott County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Scott County, MO frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Scott County, 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 are often more complex 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 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 Scott County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Scott County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Scott County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Scott County, MO and throughout 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 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as 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 applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 Scott County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Scott County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Scott County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury 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 Scott County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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:

Building a Strong 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: Examining 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 others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Scott County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Scott County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating 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 are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Scott County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Scott County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Scott County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Scott County, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer Scott County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Scott County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive 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-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Scott County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Scott County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Scott County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in the Scott County, 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 Scott County, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.