Assault Lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Being charged with assault in Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Kansas City, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Kansas City, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Kansas City, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally 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 strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Kansas City, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled Kansas City, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Kansas City, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Kansas City, MO? You need to speak with an expert Kansas City, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Kansas City, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Kansas City, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Kansas City, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Kansas City, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of 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.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Kansas City, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kansas City, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Kansas City, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Kansas City, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Kansas City, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Kansas City, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Kansas City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- 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 Kansas City, MO
Once you are charged in Kansas City, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kansas City, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Kansas City, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Kansas City, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Kansas City and beyond:
- 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 Kansas City, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Kansas City, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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 maintain clear and consistent communication with our Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Kansas City, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Kansas City, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Kansas City, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
