Assault Lawyer in Montgomery County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Montgomery 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Montgomery County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Montgomery County, MO: Understanding 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 strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Montgomery County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Montgomery County, MO frequently deal with:
- 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Montgomery County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Montgomery County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Montgomery County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Montgomery County, MO
In Montgomery County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Montgomery County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- 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 a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Montgomery County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of 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.
- Physically harms 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Montgomery County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Montgomery County, MO occurs when an individual 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 Montgomery County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical 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 Montgomery County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Montgomery 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Montgomery County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Montgomery County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Montgomery County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Montgomery County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Montgomery County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Montgomery County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Montgomery County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Montgomery County, MO residents:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- 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
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Montgomery County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Montgomery County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Montgomery County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Montgomery County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Montgomery County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Montgomery County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Montgomery County, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
