Assault Lawyer in St. Ann, MO. Being charged with assault in St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
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.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the St. Ann, 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.
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 expert St. Ann, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in St. Ann, MO: A Guide to 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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.
The severity of St. Ann, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled St. Ann, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- 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 carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter 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 enhanced 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 St. Ann, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled St. Ann, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer St. Ann, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Ann, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as 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 causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- 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: 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 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 or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 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 apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 St. Ann, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO:
Crafting a Robust 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 potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in St. Ann, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated St. Ann, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- 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 St. Ann, MO
From the moment you’re charged in St. Ann, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Ann, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are accused of assault in or around St. Ann, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best assault lawyer in St. Ann, 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 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, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. 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 successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in St. Ann, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around St. Ann, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Ann, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
