Assault Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the St. Joseph, 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.
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. Joseph, MO defense attorney.
Legal Videos
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.
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: Understanding St. Joseph, MO 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in St. Joseph, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in St. Joseph, MO have handled:
- 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 simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in St. Joseph, 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 are often more complex 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 could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Joseph, MO? You need to speak with an expert St. Joseph, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer St. Joseph, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in St. Joseph, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Joseph, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in St. Joseph, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Joseph, MO
No two assault cases in St. Joseph, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Joseph, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated St. Joseph, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in St. Joseph, MO
From the moment you’re charged in St. Joseph, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around St. Joseph, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Joseph, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Joseph, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our St. Joseph, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in St. Joseph, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- 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 400 reviews and track record throughout St. Joseph, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top St. Joseph, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in the St. Joseph, MO area, 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. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
