Assault Lawyer in Audrain County, MO. Being charged with assault in Audrain County, 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 Audrain County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in Audrain County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Audrain County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Audrain County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Audrain County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced Audrain County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Audrain County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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 close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Audrain County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Audrain County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Audrain County, MO
In Audrain County, 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 Audrain County, 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 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, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Audrain County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- 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: 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Audrain County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Audrain County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Audrain County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Audrain County, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Audrain County, 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 Audrain County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Audrain County, MO
No two assault cases in Audrain County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Audrain County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Audrain County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. Strategies could include:
- 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.
Protecting Your Rights in Audrain County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Audrain County, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Audrain County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Audrain County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Audrain County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Audrain County and beyond:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Assault Lawyer Audrain County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Audrain County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Audrain County, MO. 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 Audrain County, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Audrain County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: 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 Audrain County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Audrain County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Audrain County, 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 Audrain County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
