Assault Lawyer St. Louis County, MO

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.
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 expert St. Louis County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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 is the actual act.

The severity of St. Louis County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis County, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically 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 encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in St. Louis County, 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: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Louis County, MO? You need to speak with an expert St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO

In St. Louis County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in St. Louis County, 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 causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 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 causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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. Louis County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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. Louis County, MO

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

No two assault cases in St. Louis County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Louis County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. Strategies might involve:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects 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. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Louis County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis County and beyond:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis County, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Louis County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth 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. Louis County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in St. Louis County, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around St. Louis County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top St. Louis County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in St. Louis County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.