Assault Lawyer in Washington County, MO. Facing assault charges in Washington County, 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.
Washington County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Washington County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Washington 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.
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 Washington County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Washington County, MO 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Washington County, 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Washington County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Washington County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Washington County, MO
In Washington County, 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 Washington County, 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as 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 applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of 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.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Washington County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Washington County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 Washington County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Washington County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Washington County, 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 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 discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Washington County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Washington County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating 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 charges are filed in Washington County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Washington County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around Washington County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Washington County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Washington County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Washington County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Washington County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Washington County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
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.
