Exploring Different Types of Assault Charges and Their Defenses

Assault charges encompass a wide range of offenses in St. Louis that involve intentional harm, threat, or unwanted physical contact toward another person. Understanding the various types of assault charges, the legal ramifications, and their corresponding defenses is crucial for those facing such allegations in St. Louis or elsewhere throughout Missouri.

If you have been charged with assault, you need an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney on your side. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Our assault defense lawyers in St. Louis are committed to providing the best representation and legal guidance regarding assault charges. We investigate every aspect of your unique situation thoroughly and determine the best legal defense in your case.

The Combs Waterkotte knows that not all assault charges are straightforward or clearcut. There are often extenuating circumstances, mitigating factors, and other things to consider. Here we’ll go through the different assault charges we have experience defending in St. Louis, and provide some possible defenses.

Understanding Different Types of Assault Charges

There are a variety of types of assault in St. Louis and Missouri, as well as many different legal approaches to each. The following are examples:

Simple Assault

Simple assault refers to the intentional act of causing physical harm or instilling fear of bodily harm to another person. Defenses for simple assault charges frequently revolve around proving:

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault involves more severe forms of physical harm or the use of a deadly weapon. Your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis defense attorney proving that you had a legitimate reason to believe you were in imminent danger can be a strong defense strategy. Other defenses for aggravated assault include:

Challenging the credibility of a witness
Mistaken identity
Lack of intent or mens rea
Self-defense
Defense of others

Domestic Assault

Domestic assault refers to acts of assault committed against current or former intimate partners, family members, or household members. As is the case with any form of assault, if you are facing charges in St. Louis or throughout Missouri you need to speak with an assault lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

In domestic assault cases, it’s crucial to gather any relevant evidence, such as photographs, texts, or witnesses, to support your defense. Some defense strategies for domestic assault are:

Presenting evidence of false allegations
Challenging the credibility of a witness
Self-defense

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault involves non-consensual sexual acts, contact, or behaviors. You will want to seek legal counsel from an experienced St. Louis sex crimes lawyer, such as the attorneys at Combs Waterkotte, if you are facing sexual assault charges due to the severity of the associated laws and sentencing. Defenses for sexual assault include:

Proving the presence of consent
Challenging the credibility of a witness
Presenting evidence of mistaken identity
Demonstrating that the sexual encounter was consensual

Every assault case we see is different. The precise defense strategy of our lawyers hinges on the specifics of the charge. We always have your best interests in mind, and will always fight for you, your family, and your future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Different Types of Assault Charges in Missouri Statutes

From a statute standpoint in Missouri, assault charges are separated into different degrees, all with varying levels of sentencing:

Assault, First Degree, RSMo § 565.050
Assault, Second Degree, RSMo § 565.052
Assault in the Third Degree, RSMo § 565.054
Assault in the Fourth Degree, RSMo § 565.056