Assault Lawyer in University City, MO. Facing an assault charge in University City, 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 University City, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the University City, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert University City, 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 University City, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in University City, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled University City, 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in University City, 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around University City, MO? You need to speak with an expert University City, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer University City, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In University City, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in University City, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in University City, 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in University City, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in University City, 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 University City, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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 University City, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in University City, 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 University City, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in University City, MO
Each University City, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in University City, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated University City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in University City, MO
Once you are charged in University City, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte University City, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in University City, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to build the best possible defense in University City, MO.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around University City, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in University City, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for University City, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in University City, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in University City, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in University City, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our University City, 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 University City, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around University City, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading University City, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the University City, MO area, 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 University City, 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 University City, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
