Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. Being charged with assault in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Lake St. Louis, 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 a knowledgeable Lake St. Louis, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” 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 Lake St. Louis, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Lake St. Louis, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Lake St. Louis, 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 escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Lake St. Louis, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Lake St. Louis, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Lake St. Louis, MO
In Lake St. Louis, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Lake St. Louis, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lake St. Louis, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Lake St. Louis, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Lake St. Louis, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lake St. Louis, MO
Each Lake St. Louis, 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 discrepancies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: 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.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lake St. Louis, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Lake St. Louis, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences 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.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Lake St. Louis, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Lake St. Louis, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are accused of assault in or around Lake St. Louis, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lake St. Louis, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Lake St. Louis, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Lake St. Louis, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Lake St. Louis, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Lake St. Louis, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Lake St. Louis, MO, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
