St. Peters, MO

Assault Lawyer in St. Peters, MO. Being charged with assault in St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in St. Peters, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced St. Peters, MO defense attorney.

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

Assault is often 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 act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in St. Peters, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled St. Peters, 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. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in St. Peters, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the St. Peters, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled St. Peters, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer St. Peters, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In St. Peters, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in St. Peters, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in St. Peters, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by 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 worker.
• 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 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 an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: These are classified 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. Peters, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury 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 St. Peters, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Assault charges can be complex, and the St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Peters, MO

Each St. Peters, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:

• Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Peters, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated St. Peters, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• 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.

Protecting Your Rights in St. Peters, MO

From the moment charges are filed in St. Peters, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Peters, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around St. Peters, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in St. Peters, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for St. Peters, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

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

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Peters, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in St. Peters, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in the St. Peters, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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. Peters, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.