Assault Lawyer in Crestwood, MO. Facing assault charges in Crestwood, 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 are facing an assault charge in Crestwood, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Crestwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves 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 Crestwood, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Crestwood, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Crestwood, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Crestwood, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Crestwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Crestwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Crestwood, 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 results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Crestwood, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 inflicts serious injury on 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: 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 with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Crestwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Crestwood, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Crestwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury 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 Crestwood, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Crestwood, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Crestwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Crestwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the consequences you face. Strategies might involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Crestwood, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Crestwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Crestwood, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Crestwood, MO. This involves:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Crestwood, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Crestwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Crestwood and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Crestwood, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Crestwood, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Crestwood, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Crestwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Crestwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
