Assault Lawyer in St. Louis, MO. Being charged with assault in St. Louis, MO is a serious matter that can dramatically impact your life. From severe penalties like incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent record, in addition to the lasting social repercussions throughout St. Louis, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis City Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in St. Louis, 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, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding St. Louis, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual 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 causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in St. Louis, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis, MO frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in St. Louis, 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 can be more complicated 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 could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Louis, MO? You need to speak with an expert St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer St. Louis, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in St. Louis, 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 occurs, 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, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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.
- 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 worker.
- 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, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Louis, MO occurs when someone 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, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- 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 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 St. Louis, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Louis, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Louis, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Louis, MO
Once you are charged in St. Louis, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in St. Louis, MO. This includes:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to provide the best possible defense in St. Louis, MO.
If you’re accused of assault in or around St. Louis, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Louis, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in St. Louis, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our St. Louis, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in St. Louis, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout St. Louis, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Louis, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in or around St. Louis, 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, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
