Hazelwood, MO

Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Being charged with assault in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you are facing an assault charge in Hazelwood, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Hazelwood, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Hazelwood, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, 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 in Hazelwood, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Hazelwood, 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. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Hazelwood, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Hazelwood, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Hazelwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Hazelwood, MO

In Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Hazelwood, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
  • Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
• 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 with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Hazelwood, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Hazelwood, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• 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 Hazelwood, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension 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 Hazelwood, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Hazelwood, MO-area legal system can be overwhelming. An experienced assault defense lawyer is vital in helping you manage this challenging process. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is your best ally in Hazelwood, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Hazelwood, MO

Each Hazelwood, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Hazelwood, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. Strategies could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Negotiating 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.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Hazelwood, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Hazelwood, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Hazelwood, MO. This includes:

• Protecting you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
• Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
• Representing you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Hazelwood, MO.

When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Hazelwood, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Hazelwood, MO residents:

• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Hazelwood, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Hazelwood, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-Centered Approach: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Hazelwood, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Hazelwood, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Hazelwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re facing assault charges in Hazelwood, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Hazelwood, MO.

Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.