Assault Lawyer in Gentry County, MO. Facing assault charges in Gentry 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.
Gentry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Gentry County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Gentry 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 a knowledgeable Gentry County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Gentry 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 causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Gentry County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Gentry County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Gentry 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 often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Gentry County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Gentry County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Gentry County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Gentry 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 Gentry 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 ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Gentry 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Injures 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Gentry County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Gentry County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Gentry County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Gentry County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Gentry 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 Gentry County, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Gentry County, MO
Each Gentry 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Gentry County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Gentry County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. This might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Gentry County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Gentry County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Gentry County, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Gentry County, MO. This involves:
- Shielding you from 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 Gentry County, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Gentry County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Gentry 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 staff offers expertise in the following areas for Gentry County, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Gentry County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Gentry County, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Gentry County, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Gentry County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Gentry County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Gentry County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Gentry County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Gentry County, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Gentry County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.