Assault Lawyer in Macon County, MO. Being charged with assault in Macon 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 Macon County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Macon 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Macon County, MO defense attorney.
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Macon County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often 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. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Macon County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Macon 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Macon County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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: 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 way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Macon County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Macon County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Macon County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Macon County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Macon County, MO
In Macon 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 Macon 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 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 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 causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 with a potential prison sentence of 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 harm.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 Macon County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury 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: 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 Macon County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Macon 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 Macon County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Macon County, MO
No two assault cases in Macon County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating 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 another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Macon County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Macon County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the penalties you face. This could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Macon County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Macon County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Macon County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Macon County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Macon County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Macon County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Macon County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Macon 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: With over 350 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.
Contact the Top Macon County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Macon County, MO area, 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.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
