St. Joseph, MO

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 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert St. Joseph, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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 strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical 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. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable St. Joseph, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher 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 are often more complex 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 could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Joseph, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced St. Joseph, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us 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 is based on specific actions and carries its own set of 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges 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 causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
  • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • 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 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. Joseph, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Joseph, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated 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 injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm using 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. 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:

Building a Strong 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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in St. Joseph, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated St. Joseph, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Joseph, MO

From the moment you’re charged in St. Joseph, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

If you are accused of assault in or around St. Joseph, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph 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. Joseph, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Joseph, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding 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-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have 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: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout St. Joseph, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in the St. Joseph, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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.

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