St. Francois County, MO

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.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the St. Francois County, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert St. Francois County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in St. Francois County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of St. Francois County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled St. Francois County, 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in St. Francois County, 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 often have additional complications 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Francois County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced St. Francois County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call 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 an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
• 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 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 applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 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 to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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. Francois County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury 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. 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

Each St. Francois 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:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Francois County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated St. Francois County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in St. Francois County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in St. Francois County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Francois County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Francois County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in St. Francois County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Francois County 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. Francois County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Francois County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in St. Francois County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: 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 legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in St. Francois County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: 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 dealing 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.