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St. Ann, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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.

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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable St. Ann, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding St. Ann, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in St. Ann, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in St. Ann, MO frequently work on:

  • Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in St. Ann, MO.
  • Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated 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 could include 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.

Assault Lawyer St. Ann, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near St. Ann, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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 occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
  • 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, 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 cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
    • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
    • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
    • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
    • Injures 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 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 an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
  • Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 St. Ann, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:

    • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
    • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 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:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Ann, MO

No two assault cases in St. Ann, 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, errors, or breaches of your rights.
  • Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
  • Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
  • Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Ann, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced St. Ann, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:

  • Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
  • Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, 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

Once you are charged in St. Ann, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Ann, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

  • Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in St. Ann, MO.
  • When you’re accused of assault in or around St. Ann, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in St. Ann, 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 staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Ann and beyond:

    Assault Lawyer St. Ann, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near St. Ann, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Ann, MO

    At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Ann, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in St. Ann, MO. 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-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
    • Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to 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.
    • Proven Results: 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 dealing with assault charges in or around St. Ann, 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 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.

    Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.

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