Violent crimes involve the use of force, the threat of force, or actions that cause physical or psychological harm to another individual. These are distinct from nonviolent crimes because they directly threaten individual safety and well-being. While there are various types of violent crimes, they are categorized based on severity of harm inflicted, the presence of weapons, and whether the act was premeditated.
If you’re facing violent crime charges, you need to speak with Combs Waterkotte, the leading criminal defense law firm in St. Louis, right away. Call a skilled violent crime lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.
Understanding the legal classification of violent crimes is crucial as it determines legal strategies and sentencing. The Combs Waterkotte violent crime legal team has over 40 years of combined experience and has successfully handled more than 10,000 cases just like yours in St. Louis and across Missouri. Here, we’ll go through the types of violent crimes, as well as the legal classification, to provide a better understanding.
Types of Violent Crimes
Violent crimes encompass a broad range of offenses in Missouri, each with unique legal implications:
- Assault & Battery: Physical attacks or threats of harm, with charges varying based on injury severity and weapon involvement.
- Robbery: Theft involving force, intimidation, or the use of a weapon.
- Homicide: Includes murder, manslaughter, and other forms of unlawful killing, categorized by intent and circumstances.
- Sexual Violence: Offenses such as rape and sexual assault, which violate an individual’s bodily autonomy.
- Weapons Offenses: Crimes involving the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of firearms or other weapons.
- Kidnapping: The unlawful confinement or abduction of an individual.
Each type of violent crime carries different legal consequences and defense strategies, making classification essential. The Combs Waterkotte violent crime attorneys are here for you. Call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Violent Crimes Legal Classification
Our legal system categorizes violent crimes based on intent, severity, and the circumstances surrounding the offense. For example:
- First-Degree vs. Second-Degree Murder: Differentiated by premeditation and spontaneity. Both are class A felonies, however first-degree charges carry a sentence of either death or imprisonment for life without eligibility for probation or parole, while second-degree charges are punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison.
- Aggravated (First-Degree) vs. Simple (Fourth-Degree) Assault: Determined by the level of harm inflicted and the presence of a weapon. Aggravated assault is a class B felony, unless the attack caused significant bodily harm or targets a law enforcement officer in which case it’s a class A felony. Simple assault is a class C misdemeanor unless the alleged victim is a “special victim” in which case it’s a class A misdemeanor.
- Armed (First-Degree) Robbery vs. Second-Degree Robbery: Differentiated by the use of a weapon and the use of force. Armed robbery is a class A felony due to “serious physical injury” or a deadly weapon, while a second-degree charge is a class B felony.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Hire a Combs Waterkotte Violent Crime Lawyer
If you don’t choose Combs Waterkotte to defend your violent crime charge, you risk facing the full force of Missouri’s legal system without a dedicated, aggressive defense team protecting your rights. Here’s what could happen:
- You Might Face Maximum Penalties: Missouri prosecutors aggressively pursue violent crime convictions, often seeking the harshest possible sentences. Without a skilled Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney you could possibly receive decades or even life in prison and a permanent criminal record—affecting job opportunities, housing, your reputation, and your professional licenses.
- The Prosecution Will Have the Upper Hand: Without Combs Waterkotte fighting for your innocence you might be pressured into pleading guilty to charges you could have beaten. Also, the prosecution’s evidence might go unchallenged, even if it was obtained illegally, and you could miss key defense opportunities—including self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of intent.
- You Might Lose Important Legal Protections: A strong defense attorney makes sure that your constitutional rights are protected. Without our experienced legal team you run the risk of illegally obtained evidence going unchallenged, even if law enforcement violated your rights, or self-incrimination by speaking to police without proper legal guidance. You might also miss procedural deadlines or make mistakes that weaken your case.
Don’t Gamble With Your Future — Call a Combs Waterkotte Violent Crime Lawyer Today
Violent crime cases are complex and require tenacious, strategic defense. Without Combs Waterkotte, you are taking a high-stakes gamble with your freedom and future. Your choice in a violent crime lawyer can be the difference between freedom and incarceration. Seems like a simple choice. Why risk it? The best way to protect yourself is to hire a proven violent crime defense team that knows how to fight—and win.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with an expert violent crime lawyer.
