Wentzville, MO

Assault Lawyer in Wentzville, MO. Facing an assault charge in Wentzville, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Wentzville, MO societal stigma that accompanies 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Wentzville, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Wentzville, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Wentzville, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable 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. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Wentzville, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Wentzville, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Wentzville, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Wentzville, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Wentzville, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Wentzville, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury occurs, 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 cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of 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.
  • Injures 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 with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Wentzville, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Wentzville, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Wentzville, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Wentzville, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Wentzville, 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 inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying 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.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Wentzville, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Wentzville, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
• Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Wentzville, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Wentzville, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.

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

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Wentzville, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Wentzville, 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-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 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 the Wentzville, MO area, 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 Wentzville, MO.

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