Columbia, MO

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

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Columbia, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte 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 Columbia, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Columbia, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Columbia, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Columbia, 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Columbia, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 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 injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Columbia, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Columbia, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Columbia, MO

In Columbia, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Columbia, 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. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Columbia, 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 driving or boating under the influence.
  • Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Columbia, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Columbia, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
• Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Columbia, 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 offensive 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 Columbia, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Columbia, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Columbia, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Columbia, MO

Each Columbia, 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:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
• Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Columbia, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Columbia, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies could include:

• Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
• Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
• Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Columbia, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Columbia, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Columbia, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Columbia, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Columbia, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Columbia, MO residents:

• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Columbia, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Columbia, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Columbia, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Columbia, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Columbia, MO.
• 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 Columbia, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Columbia, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.