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.
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.
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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable St. Peters, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in St. Peters, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often 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. Peters, 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. 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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences 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 are often more complex due to the close 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.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Peters, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced St. Peters, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer St. Peters, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Peters, MO and throughout 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. Peters, 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 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging 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 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. Peters, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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. Peters, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in St. Peters, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced St. Peters, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in St. Peters, MO
From the moment you’re charged in St. Peters, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Peters, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are accused of assault in or around St. Peters, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in St. Peters, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for St. Peters, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Peters, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Peters, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in St. Peters, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: 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. 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 or around St. Peters, MO, 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.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
