Assault Lawyer in Marshall, MO. Being charged with assault in Marshall, 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 Marshall, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Marshall, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Marshall, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Marshall, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual 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 causing physical harm.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Marshall, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Marshall, 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 bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Marshall, 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 can be more complicated due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Marshall, MO? You need to speak with an expert Marshall, 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 Marshall, MO
In Marshall, 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 Marshall, 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 a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Marshall, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Marshall, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Marshall, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Marshall, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Marshall, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Marshall, 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 Marshall, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Marshall, MO
Each Marshall, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Marshall, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Marshall, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Marshall, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Marshall, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Marshall, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Marshall, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the best assault lawyer in Marshall, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Marshall, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Marshall, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Marshall, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Marshall, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Marshall, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Marshall, 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 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Marshall, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Marshall, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Marshall, MO area, 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 Marshall, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
