Assault Lawyer in Wildwood, MO. Being charged with assault in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Wildwood, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Wildwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Wildwood, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of Wildwood, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Wildwood, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Wildwood, 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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 harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Wildwood, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Wildwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Wildwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Wildwood, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Wildwood, 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Wildwood, 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Wildwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Wildwood, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Wildwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Wildwood, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Wildwood, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Wildwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Wildwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating 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.
Protecting Your Rights in Wildwood, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Wildwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Wildwood, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Wildwood, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Wildwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Wildwood 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 Wildwood, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Wildwood, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Wildwood, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Wildwood, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Wildwood, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Wildwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Wildwood, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.