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Ste. Genevieve County, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Being charged with assault in Ste. Genevieve County, 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you are facing an assault charge in Ste. Genevieve County, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Ste. Genevieve County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Ste. Genevieve County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Ste. Genevieve County, MO frequently deal with:

  • 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 carry significant penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Ste. Genevieve County, MO.
  • Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the close personal relationships involved.
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

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

Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Ste. Genevieve County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Ste. Genevieve County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve County, MO

  • Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 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 responder.
  • 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve County, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ste. Genevieve County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
  • Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:

    • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
    • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
    • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Ste. Genevieve County, 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve County, MO

No two assault cases in Ste. Genevieve County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

  • Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, 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, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
  • Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
  • Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ste. Genevieve County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Ste. Genevieve County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

  • Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
  • Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
  • Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Defending Your Rights in Ste. Genevieve County, MO

Once you are charged in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

  • Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Ste. Genevieve County, MO.
  • If you are facing an assault charge in or around Ste. Genevieve County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Ste. Genevieve County, MO residents:

    Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Ste. Genevieve County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

    Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

    • Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Ste. Genevieve County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
    • Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Ste. Genevieve County, MO.
    • Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
    • Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Ste. Genevieve County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

    Contact the Top Ste. Genevieve County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

    If you’re facing assault charges in or around Ste. Genevieve County, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Ste. Genevieve County, 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO.

    Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.

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