Assault Lawyer in St. Charles, MO. Facing assault charges in St. Charles, 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.
If you’re charged with assault in St. Charles, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 an expert St. Charles, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding St. Charles, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another person 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 inflicting injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in St. Charles, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable St. Charles, 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 conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in St. Charles, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Charles, MO? You need to speak with an expert St. Charles, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in St. Charles, MO
In St. Charles, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in St. Charles, 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in St. Charles, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of 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.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 St. Charles, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Charles, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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 St. Charles, 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 injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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 St. Charles, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Charles, MO
Each St. Charles, 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 inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in St. Charles, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced St. Charles, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in St. Charles, MO
From the moment you’re charged in St. Charles, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Charles, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Charles, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in St. Charles, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Charles 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 St. Charles, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Charles, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in St. Charles, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in St. Charles, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout St. Charles, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top St. Charles, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
