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 are facing an assault charge in St. Joseph, 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.
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 a knowledgeable St. Joseph, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive 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 in St. Joseph, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an 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. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered 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 living in the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way 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: Types of Assault Charges in St. Joseph, MO
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 occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
- 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 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.
- Injures 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 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 to 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 involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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. 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:
Developing a Comprehensive 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Joseph, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated St. Joseph, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This might 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. Joseph, MO
From the moment charges are filed in St. Joseph, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Joseph, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in St. Joseph, 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 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
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Joseph, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge 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-Focused: 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 aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around St. Joseph, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced 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 or around 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 get in touch online.
