Assault Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. Facing assault charges in St. Louis 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’re facing assault charges anywhere in the St. Louis 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. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 St. Louis defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Assault Charges in St. Louis
Assault is traditionally 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 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 is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in St. Louis. Here’s a brief overview of some of the common types of assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys have worked on:
- 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher consequences.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications 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 can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in St. Louis? You need to speak with an expert St. Louis 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 St. Louis
In St. Louis and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in St. Louis
- 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in St. Louis, 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in St. Louis
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Louis occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as a Class E Felony which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in St. Louis, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in St. Louis
Assault charges can be complex, and the St. Louis 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:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in St. Louis
Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored assault defense strategy. This could include:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Louis
Even if a conviction seems likely, a Combs Waterkotte defense attorney based in St. Louis can work to minimize the penalties you face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to jail time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in St. Louis
From the moment you’re charged, your rights are at risk. An expert Combs Waterkotte St. Louis assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
- Representing you in court to provide the best possible defense.
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours.
- 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 speaks for themselves, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading St. Louis Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in St. Louis, 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.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
