Assault Lawyer in St. Ann, MO. Facing assault charges in St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, 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 a knowledgeable St. Ann, 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: Understanding St. Ann, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” 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 St. Ann, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in St. Ann, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in St. Ann, 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Ann, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced St. Ann, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer St. Ann, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Ann, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in St. Ann, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in St. Ann, 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 knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Ann, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Ann, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 St. Ann, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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 St. Ann, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in St. Ann, MO
Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:
- Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in St. Ann, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated St. Ann, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in St. Ann, MO
From the moment charges are filed in St. Ann, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Ann, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around St. Ann, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in St. Ann, 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 staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Ann and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Ann, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Ann, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in St. Ann, MO. 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-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our St. Ann, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in St. Ann, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout St. Ann, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Ann, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the St. Ann, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 St. Ann, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
