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.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in St. Joseph, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte 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.
Assault Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO: A Guide to 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in St. Joseph, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Joseph, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in St. Joseph, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
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.
Assault Lawyer St. Joseph, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In St. Joseph, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 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 inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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. Joseph, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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. Joseph, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Joseph, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken 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 biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Joseph, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated St. Joseph, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Joseph, MO
From the moment charges are filed in St. Joseph, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around St. Joseph, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:
Assault Lawyer St. Joseph, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Joseph, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in St. Joseph, MO. 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 legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in St. Joseph, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in St. Joseph, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Joseph, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in St. Joseph, MO, 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. Joseph, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
