Washington County, MO

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.

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.
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 experienced Washington County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Washington County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Washington County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Washington County, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Washington County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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 personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 manner 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.

Assault Lawyer Washington County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Washington County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Washington County, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
• 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 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
  • Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
• 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 Washington County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Washington County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• 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 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 harm or offensive 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 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

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:

• Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches 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, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Washington County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Washington County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies might include:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Washington County, MO

Once you are charged in Washington County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Washington County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Washington County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Washington County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington County and beyond:

• 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 Washington County, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Washington County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Washington County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to 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.
• Demonstrated Success: 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 facing assault charges in Washington County, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Washington County, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.