Assault Lawyer Benton, MO

Assault Lawyer in Benton, MO. Facing an assault charge in Benton, 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 Benton, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Benton, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Benton, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Benton, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person 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 inflicting injury.” 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 Benton, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Benton, MO frequently deal with:

• 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Benton, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications 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 way that could cause serious harm.

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Benton, MO

In Benton, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Benton, MO

• Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
• 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 Benton, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 Benton, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Benton, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Benton, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
• Penalties: This degree of assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the assault involves a special victim, it is a Class E Felony meaning up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Benton, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Benton, 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 Benton, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Benton, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Benton, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Benton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face. This might involve:

• Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Benton, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Benton, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Benton, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Benton and beyond:

Assault Lawyer Benton, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Benton, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Benton, 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-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Benton, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Benton, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven Track Record: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Benton, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Benton, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Benton, 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 Benton, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.