Assault Lawyer in Franklin County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in Franklin County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 a knowledgeable Franklin County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Franklin County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear 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 inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Franklin County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Franklin County, MO 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 encompasses more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Franklin 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: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Franklin County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Franklin County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Franklin County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Franklin 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 Franklin County, 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Franklin County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Franklin County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Franklin County, 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, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Franklin 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 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Franklin County, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Franklin County, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Franklin County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Franklin County, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Franklin County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Franklin County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This might include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Franklin County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Franklin County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Franklin County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Franklin County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Franklin County, MO residents:
- 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 Franklin County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Franklin County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Franklin County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Franklin County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Franklin County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Franklin County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Franklin County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Franklin County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
