Union, MO

Assault Lawyer in Union, MO. Being charged with assault in Union, 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 Union, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you are facing an assault charge in Union, 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.
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 Union, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Union, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate 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 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 Union, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Union, MO frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Union, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 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 injury.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Union, MO? You need to speak with an expert Union, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Union, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Union, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Union, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Union, 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.
  • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Union, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Union, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• 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 Union, 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 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 Union, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Union, 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 Union, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Union, MO

No two assault cases in Union, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken 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 with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Union, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Union, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Union, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Union, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Union, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Union, MO. This includes:

• Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Advocating for you in court to provide the best possible defense in Union, MO.

When you are accused of assault in or around Union, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Union, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Union, MO residents:

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

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Union, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Union, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Union, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Union, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Union, MO.
• Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Union, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Union, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Union, 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 Union, MO.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.