Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Being charged with assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Ste. Genevieve, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear 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 inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Ste. Genevieve, 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. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO? You need to speak with an expert Ste. Genevieve, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO
In Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Ste. Genevieve, 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, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve, 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 potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Ste. Genevieve, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, 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, MO
Once you are charged in Ste. Genevieve, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Ste. Genevieve and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Ste. Genevieve, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Ste. Genevieve, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
