Assault Lawyer in St. Peters, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the St. Peters, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert St. Peters, 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 in St. Peters, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in St. Peters, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in St. Peters, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in St. Peters, 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 can 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. Peters, MO? You need to speak with an expert St. Peters, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer St. Peters, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In St. Peters, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in St. Peters, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in St. Peters, 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Peters, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Peters, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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. Peters, 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 harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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. Peters, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in St. Peters, 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 discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential 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.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Peters, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated St. Peters, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in St. Peters, MO
From the moment charges are filed in St. Peters, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Peters, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around St. Peters, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in St. Peters, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Peters and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Peters, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Peters, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in St. Peters, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in St. Peters, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout St. Peters, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Peters, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the St. Peters, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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. Peters, 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. Peters, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
