St. Charles, MO

Assault Lawyer in St. Charles, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Charles, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the St. Charles, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you are facing an assault charge in St. Charles, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your 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 an expert St. Charles, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding St. Charles, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery 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, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable St. Charles, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in St. Charles, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Charles, MO? You need to speak with an expert St. Charles, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer St. Charles, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In St. Charles, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in St. Charles, 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in St. Charles, 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 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in St. Charles, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Charles, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• 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, 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 making unwanted 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in St. Charles, MO

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Charles, 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. Charles, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in St. Charles, MO

Each St. Charles, 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• 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, MO

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

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating 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, MO

From the moment you’re charged in St. Charles, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Charles, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around St. Charles, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in St. Charles, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Charles and beyond:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer St. Charles, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Charles, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in St. Charles, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our St. Charles, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in St. Charles, 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 more than 350 reviews and track record throughout St. Charles, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading St. Charles, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in the St. Charles, 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. Charles, MO.

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