Ste. Genevieve, MO

Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Facing an assault charge in Ste. Genevieve, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Ste. Genevieve, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and 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 in Ste. Genevieve, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Ste. Genevieve, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Ste. Genevieve, 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 escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

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 Ste. Genevieve, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Ste. Genevieve, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified 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 occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
• 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 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 causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Physically 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 a potential prison sentence of 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 harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Ste. Genevieve, 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 injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Ste. Genevieve, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve, MO

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

• Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might 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, MO

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

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Advocating 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Ste. Genevieve, MO

Once you are charged in Ste. Genevieve, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Ste. Genevieve, MO. This includes:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Ste. Genevieve, MO.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading 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 esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Ste. Genevieve and beyond:

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

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

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Ste. Genevieve, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Ste. Genevieve, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Ste. Genevieve, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.