Washington, MO

Assault Lawyer in Washington, MO. Facing assault charges in Washington, 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 Washington, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over 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 person to fear imminent 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 causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical 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 Washington, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• 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 encompasses more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Washington, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 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, MO? You need to speak with an expert Washington, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Washington, MO

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

First Degree Assault in Washington, 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Washington, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by 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 worker.
• 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 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: 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, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury 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 Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Assault charges can be complex, and the Washington, 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, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Washington, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Washington, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Washington, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you might face. This could involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Negotiating 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.

Defending Your Rights in Washington, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Washington, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Washington, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

If you are accused of assault in or around Washington, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Washington, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Washington, 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 Washington, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Washington, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Washington, 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 Washington, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Washington, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges 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, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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, 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, MO.

Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.