Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Facing assault charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.
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 are facing an assault charge in Ste. Genevieve, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Ste. Genevieve, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Ste. Genevieve, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced 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. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Ste. Genevieve, 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: A more severe 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.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us 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 categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges 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 to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Ste. Genevieve, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Ste. Genevieve, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Each Ste. Genevieve, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might 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 seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Once you are charged in Ste. Genevieve, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Ste. Genevieve, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Ste. Genevieve, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Ste. Genevieve, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Ste. Genevieve, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area, 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, 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.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
