Assault Lawyer in Springfield, MO. Facing assault charges in Springfield, 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’re charged with assault in Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 in Springfield, MO: Understanding 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 individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Springfield, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Springfield, 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Springfield, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Springfield, MO? You need to speak with an expert Springfield, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Springfield, MO
In Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Springfield, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Springfield, 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.
- 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 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 with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Springfield, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Springfield, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 Springfield, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Springfield, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Springfield, MO
No two assault cases in Springfield, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Springfield, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Springfield, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. This might involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Springfield, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Springfield, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Springfield, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Springfield, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Springfield, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Springfield, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Springfield, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Springfield, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Springfield, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Springfield, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
