University City, MO

Assault Lawyer in University City, MO. Facing assault charges in University City, 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.

If you are facing an assault charge in University City, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable University City, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in University City, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of University City, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in University City, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in University City, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the University City, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled University City, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer University City, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

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

First Degree Assault in University City, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
• Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as 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 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Injures 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 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 inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 University City, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in University City, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the University City, 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 University City, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in University City, MO

Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Working to Reduce Penalties in University City, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated University City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies might involve:

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

Protecting Your Rights in University City, MO

Once you are charged in University City, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte University City, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in University City, MO. This includes:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to provide 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’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in University City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for University City, 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 University City, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in University City, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in University City, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-First Philosophy: 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.
• Relentless Advocacy: 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.

Contact the Top University City, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the University City, 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 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.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.