Assault Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO. Being charged with assault in St. Charles County, 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. Charles County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in St. Charles County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced St. Charles County, 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 in St. Charles County, MO: Understanding 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 injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in St. Charles County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Charles County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This typically 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in St. Charles County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the St. Charles County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled St. Charles County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer St. Charles County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Charles County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in St. Charles County, 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in St. Charles County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Charles County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Charles County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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. Charles County, 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 injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 St. Charles County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in St. Charles County, 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 St. Charles County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in St. Charles County, MO
Each St. Charles County, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Charles County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced St. Charles County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Charles County, MO
Once you are charged in St. Charles County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Charles County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around St. Charles County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in St. Charles County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for St. Charles County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer St. Charles County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Charles County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. 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 defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in St. Charles County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in St. Charles County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Charles County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the St. Charles County, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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. Charles County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
