Wildwood, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Wildwood, MO. Facing assault charges in Wildwood, 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 facing assault charges anywhere in the Wildwood, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Wildwood, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Wildwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is 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 Wildwood, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced Wildwood, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

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 carry significant penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Wildwood, MO.
Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 injury.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Wildwood, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Wildwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Wildwood, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Wildwood, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Wildwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Wildwood, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Wildwood, 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 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 results, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Wildwood, 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 knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 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 Wildwood, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Wildwood, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.

Fourth Degree Assault in Wildwood, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Wildwood, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Wildwood, MO

Each Wildwood, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Wildwood, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Wildwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might involve:

Pursuing 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Wildwood, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Wildwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Wildwood, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Wildwood, MO. This includes:

Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Wildwood, MO.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Wildwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Wildwood, 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 residents in Wildwood and beyond:

Assault Lawyer Wildwood, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Wildwood, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Wildwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Wildwood, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

Client-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Wildwood, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Wildwood, 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 Track Record: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Wildwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO.