Assault Lawyer in Springfield, MO. Being charged with assault in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Springfield, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear 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 essence, assault involves 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 work on:
- 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Springfield, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the 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 manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Springfield, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Springfield, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Springfield, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Springfield, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated 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 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 a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Springfield, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 Springfield, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 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
Each Springfield, 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 breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other 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.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Springfield, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Springfield, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This could involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, 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 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 attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Springfield, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Springfield, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Springfield, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Springfield, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Springfield, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Springfield, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Springfield, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Springfield, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or 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, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.