Assault Lawyer in Ballwin, MO. Being charged with assault in Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Ballwin, 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 a knowledgeable Ballwin, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Ballwin, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent 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 harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Ballwin, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Ballwin, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Ballwin, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Ballwin, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Ballwin, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Ballwin, MO
In Ballwin, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Ballwin, 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 a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Ballwin, 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ballwin, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ballwin, MO occurs when an individual 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, 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 Ballwin, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Ballwin, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Ballwin, MO
Each Ballwin, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Ballwin, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Ballwin, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This might involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- 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.
Defending Your Rights in Ballwin, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Ballwin, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ballwin, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Ballwin, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Ballwin, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Ballwin, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Ballwin, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Ballwin, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Ballwin, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Ballwin, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Ballwin, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Ballwin, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. Reach out to the assault defense team at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled attorney. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your future in Ballwin, MO. Contact the experienced assault attorneys at Combs Waterkotte for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are dedicated to defending your rights and securing the best outcome for your case in Ballwin, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
