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’re charged with assault in Scott County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 Scott County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Scott County, MO: A Guide to 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” 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 Scott County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Scott County, MO have handled:

• 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 result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Scott County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated 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 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: Types of Assault Charges in Scott County, MO

In Scott County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided 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 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 Scott 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 intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Scott County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Scott County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: These are classified 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 Scott County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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: 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:

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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring 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.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Scott County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Scott County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Scott County, MO

Once you are charged in Scott County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Scott County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Scott County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Scott County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Scott 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Scott County, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Scott County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep 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 what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Scott County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Scott County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in Scott County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.