Greene County, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Greene County, MO. Facing assault charges in Greene County, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.

If you’re charged with assault in Greene 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.
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 expert Greene County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Greene County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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 causing physical harm.” 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 Greene County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Greene County, MO have handled:

Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Greene 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 can be more complicated due to the 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 harm.

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

Assault Lawyer Greene County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Greene County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

In Greene County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Greene 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Greene 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 knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Greene County, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Greene County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Greene County, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Greene County, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Greene 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 Greene County, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Greene County, MO

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

Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential 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 Greene County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Greene County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies might 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Greene County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Greene County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Greene County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal process in Greene County, MO. This involves:

Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
Advocating for you in court to provide the best possible defense in Greene County, MO.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Greene County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Greene County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Greene County, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer Greene County, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Greene County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Greene County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Greene County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Greene 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 Greene County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Greene County, MO.
Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Greene County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Greene County, MO, 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 Greene 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 Greene County, MO.