Assault Lawyer in Newton County, MO. Being charged with assault in Newton 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 Newton County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Newton County, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Newton County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Newton County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person 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 short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Newton County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Newton County, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Newton County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Newton County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Newton County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Newton County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Newton County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Newton 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Newton 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of 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.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Newton County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Newton County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Newton County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This degree of assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the assault involves a special victim, it is a Class E Felony meaning up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Newton County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Newton County, MO legal system is daunting. You need an experienced assault defense lawyer on your side, one who provides the expertise needed to navigate this challenging process. Here’s how Combs Waterkotte can help you in Newton County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Newton County, MO
Each Newton County, MO assault case comes with its own set of complexities. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case to develop a tailored assault defense strategy that might include:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Newton County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Newton County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Newton County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Newton County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Newton County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re accused of assault in or around Newton County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Newton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Newton 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 Newton County, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Newton County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Newton County, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Newton County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Newton County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Newton County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Newton County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Newton County, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Newton 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 Newton County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
