Assault Lawyer in St. Louis, MO. Facing assault charges in St. Louis, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.
If you’re charged with assault in St. Louis, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and 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 experienced St. Louis, MO defense attorney.
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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.
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 in St. Louis, 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. 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.
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 knowledgeable St. Louis, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in St. Louis, 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 can be more complicated due to the close 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. 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.
St. Louis City Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer St. Louis, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Louis, 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, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s 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 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures 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 instances, it is 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 an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted 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. Louis, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Louis, 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, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in St. Louis, MO
No two assault cases in St. Louis, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in St. Louis, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- 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 could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment 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 hiring the ideal 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 esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis and beyond:
- Federal Felony Lawyers
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Louis, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in St. Louis, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: 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.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in St. Louis, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Louis, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in St. Louis, MO, 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
