Assault Lawyer in St. Francois County, MO. Being charged with assault in St. Francois 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. Francois County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Francois County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Francois County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in St. Francois County, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced St. Francois County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in St. Francois County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in St. Francois County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in St. Francois County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in St. Francois County, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe 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 manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the St. Francois County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled St. Francois County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer St. Francois County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In St. Francois County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in St. Francois County, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in St. Francois County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
- 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.
- Physically 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Francois County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Francois County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in St. Francois County, 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 harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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. Francois County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Francois County, 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. Francois County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Francois County, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Francois County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced St. Francois County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Francois County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in St. Francois County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Francois County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around St. Francois County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in St. Francois County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 St. Francois County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer St. Francois County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Francois County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our St. Francois County, 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. Francois County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout St. Francois County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top St. Francois County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in St. Francois County, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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. Francois County, 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. Francois County, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
