Assault Lawyer in Washington County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Washington 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 Washington County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in Washington County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 an experienced Washington County, MO defense attorney.
Legal Videos
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.
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 Washington County, 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 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 in Washington County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced Washington County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Washington County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the close 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 can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Washington County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Washington County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Washington County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Washington County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Washington County, MO
In Washington County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Washington 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 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Washington 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 Washington County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Washington County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Washington County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Washington County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Washington County, MO
No two assault cases in Washington 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Washington County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Washington County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Washington County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Washington County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Washington County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Washington County, MO. This involves:
- 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 Washington County, MO.
If you are accused of assault in or around Washington County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Washington 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 lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Washington County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Washington County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Washington County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Washington County, MO. 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 Washington County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Washington County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Washington County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Washington County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Washington County, MO, 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 Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
