Assault Lawyer in Stoddard County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Stoddard County, 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.
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 Stoddard County, MO defense attorney.
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Stoddard County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally 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 cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Stoddard County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Stoddard County, MO frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Stoddard 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 are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include 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 Stoddard County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Stoddard County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Stoddard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Stoddard County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Stoddard County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Stoddard 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 Stoddard County, 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Stoddard County, 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 Stoddard County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Stoddard County, MO occurs when an individual 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, 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 Stoddard County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Stoddard County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Stoddard County, MO
No two assault cases in Stoddard County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Stoddard County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Stoddard County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Stoddard County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Stoddard County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Stoddard County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Stoddard County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Stoddard County, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Stoddard County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Stoddard County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Stoddard County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Stoddard County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Stoddard County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in Stoddard County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Stoddard County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
