Platte County, MO

Assault Lawyer in Platte County, MO. Being charged with assault in Platte County, 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 Platte County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you are facing an assault charge in Platte County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Platte County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Platte County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 Platte County, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Platte County, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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 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 could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Platte County, MO

In Platte County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Platte County, 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. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Platte County, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by 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 intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison. For other instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Platte County, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Platte County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Platte County, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Platte County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Platte County, MO

No two assault cases in Platte County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Platte County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Platte County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Platte County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Platte County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Platte County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Platte County, MO. This involves:

• Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Platte County, MO.

If you are accused of assault in or around Platte County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Platte County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Platte County and beyond:

• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Platte County, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Platte County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Platte County, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Platte County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Platte County, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Platte County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Platte County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Platte County, MO, 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 Platte County, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.