Assault Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Assault Lawyer in St. Louis, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Louis, 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, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

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

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

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of St. Louis, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically 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 severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in St. Louis, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Louis, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer St. Louis, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

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

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 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, 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.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • 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 personnel.
• 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in St. Louis, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Louis, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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. Louis, 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 injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 St. Louis, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the St. Louis, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help 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, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Louis, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in St. Louis, MO

Once you are charged in St. Louis, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Louis, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for St. Louis, MO residents:

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

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Louis, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• 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 attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in St. Louis, 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.
• Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout St. Louis, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in the St. Louis, 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. Louis, 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. Louis, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.