Assault Lawyer in St. Peters, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in St. Peters, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 St. Peters, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in St. Peters, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of St. Peters, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable St. Peters, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in St. Peters, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the 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 manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the St. Peters, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled St. Peters, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer St. Peters, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Peters, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in St. Peters, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in St. Peters, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Peters, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in St. Peters, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in St. Peters, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Peters, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced St. Peters, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in St. Peters, MO
From the moment charges are filed in St. Peters, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Peters, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around St. Peters, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in St. Peters, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Peters 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. Peters, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in St. Peters, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our St. Peters, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in St. Peters, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: 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 St. Peters, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Peters, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the St. Peters, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 St. Peters, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
