Springfield, MO

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 facing assault charges anywhere in the Springfield, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and 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 a knowledgeable Springfield, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Springfield, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional 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 act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Springfield, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Springfield, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences 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 often have additional complications 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 manner 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.

Assault Lawyer Springfield, MO: Types of Assault Charges

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

First Degree Assault in Springfield, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
• Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 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 someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Springfield, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Springfield, 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 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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Springfield, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Springfield, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:

• Pursuing 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 Springfield, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Springfield, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Springfield, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Springfield, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Springfield, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Springfield, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Springfield, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: 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 facing assault charges in or around Springfield, 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 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 get in touch online.