Shelby County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Shelby County, MO. Facing assault charges in Shelby 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 are facing an assault charge in Shelby 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.
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 Shelby County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Shelby County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Shelby County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Shelby 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 simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Shelby 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 close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe 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 harm.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Shelby County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO

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

First Degree Assault in Shelby 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 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 occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Shelby County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
  • 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Shelby County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Shelby County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Shelby County, MO

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

Assault charges can be complex, and the Shelby County, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Shelby County, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Shelby County, MO

No two assault cases in Shelby County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Shelby County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Shelby County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could involve:

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

Protecting Your Rights in Shelby County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Shelby County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Shelby County, MO. This involves:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Shelby County, MO.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Shelby County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer Shelby County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Shelby County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Shelby County, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Shelby County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Shelby County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.