Assault Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you are facing an assault charge in St. Louis County, 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.
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 experienced St. Louis County, MO defense attorney.
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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. Louis County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in St. Louis County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in St. Louis County, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the St. Louis County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled St. Louis County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer St. Louis County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In St. Louis County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in St. Louis County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- Penalties: If serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in St. Louis County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Louis County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Louis County, 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 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. Louis County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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. Louis County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Louis 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. Louis County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in St. Louis County, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Louis County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This could involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating 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. Louis County, MO
Once you are charged in St. Louis County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in St. Louis County, MO. This involves:
- Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to provide the best possible defense in St. Louis County, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around St. Louis County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for St. Louis County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis County, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Louis County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep 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. Louis County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in St. Louis County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: 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. Louis County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Louis County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around St. Louis County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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. Louis County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
