Assault Lawyer in Maryville, MO. Being charged with assault in Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Maryville, 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 an expert Maryville, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Maryville, MO 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Maryville, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Maryville, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Maryville, 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Maryville, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Maryville, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Maryville, MO
In Maryville, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Maryville, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- Penalties: If a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Maryville, 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Maryville, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maryville, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Maryville, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can 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 injury 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 Maryville, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Maryville, 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 Maryville, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Maryville, MO
Each Maryville, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong 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 with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Maryville, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Maryville, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Maryville, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Maryville, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maryville, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Maryville, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Maryville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryville and beyond:
Assault Lawyer Maryville, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Maryville, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Maryville, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Maryville, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Maryville, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Maryville, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Maryville, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Maryville, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
