Assault Lawyer in Ballwin, MO. Facing an assault charge in Ballwin, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Ballwin, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in Ballwin, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 experienced Ballwin, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Ballwin, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. 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.
The severity of Ballwin, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced Ballwin, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered 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 living in the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
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 classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Ballwin, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 with potential imprisonment ranging from 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 charge is typically 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 Ballwin, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- 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 with 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
Assault charges can be complex, and the Ballwin, 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 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential 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 Ballwin, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Ballwin, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you face. This could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating 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 Ballwin, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Ballwin, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ballwin, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are accused of assault in or around Ballwin, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Ballwin, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Ballwin, MO residents:
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Assault Lawyer Ballwin, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Ballwin, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth 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. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Ballwin, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Results: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Ballwin, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Ballwin, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
