Assault Lawyer Washington, MO

Assault Lawyer in Washington, MO. Being charged with assault in Washington, MO is a serious matter that can dramatically impact your life. From severe penalties like incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent record, in addition to the lasting social repercussions throughout Washington, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in Washington, 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 a knowledgeable Washington, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Washington, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally 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 individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Washington, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Washington, MO frequently work on:

• Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Washington, 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 escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Washington, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Washington, 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 Washington, 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, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Washington, 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.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Washington, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Washington, 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 Washington, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm 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, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Washington, 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, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Washington, MO

Each Washington, 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, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Washington, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Washington, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you face. This could include:

• Negotiating for 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 Washington, MO

Once you are charged in Washington, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Washington, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you are accused of assault in or around Washington, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Washington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Washington, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer Washington, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Washington, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Washington, 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 maintain clear and consistent communication with our Washington, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Washington, 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, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Washington, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around Washington, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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, MO.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.