Assault Lawyer in Wentzville, MO. Facing assault charges in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 expert Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person 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 can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Wentzville, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Wentzville, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Wentzville, 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: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Wentzville, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Wentzville, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Wentzville, MO
In Wentzville, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Wentzville, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Wentzville, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Wentzville, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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 Wentzville, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Wentzville, MO
No two assault cases in Wentzville, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Wentzville, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Wentzville, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- 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 Wentzville, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Wentzville, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Wentzville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Wentzville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Wentzville and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Wentzville, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Wentzville, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Wentzville, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Wentzville, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Wentzville, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Wentzville, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
