Assault Lawyer in Lebanon, MO. Facing an assault charge in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you are facing an assault charge in Lebanon, 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.
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 an expert Lebanon, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Lebanon, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate 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. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, 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 Lebanon, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Lebanon, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This typically 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Lebanon, 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: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lebanon, MO? You need to speak with an expert Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO
In Lebanon, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Lebanon, 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Lebanon, 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Lebanon, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lebanon, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Lebanon, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Lebanon, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Lebanon, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Lebanon, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Lebanon, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. Strategies might involve:
- Seeking 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 Lebanon, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Lebanon, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lebanon, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Lebanon, MO. This includes:
- Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the strongest possible defense in Lebanon, MO.
When you are accused of assault in or around Lebanon, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Lebanon, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lebanon and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Lebanon, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Lebanon, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Lebanon, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Lebanon, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lebanon, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Lebanon, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Lebanon, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
