Macon County, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Macon County, MO. Facing assault charges in Macon 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 Macon 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 an experienced Macon County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Macon County, MO Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. 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 Macon County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Macon County, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Macon 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 can be more complicated due to the close personal relationships involved.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Macon County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Macon County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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

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

In Macon County, MO and across 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 Macon 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Macon 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.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Macon County, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Macon County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Macon County, MO

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

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

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Macon 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Macon County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Macon County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you might face. Strategies could include:

Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Macon County, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Macon County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Macon County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Macon County, MO. This involves:

Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Macon County, MO.

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Macon County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Macon County and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer Macon County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Macon County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Macon County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Macon County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
Proven Track Record: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Macon County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Macon County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in Macon County, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Macon County, MO.