Assault Lawyer in Benton, MO. Facing assault charges in Benton, MO 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 charged with assault in Benton, 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 an experienced Benton, MO defense attorney.
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Benton, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Benton, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Benton, MO frequently work on:
- 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 conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Benton, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in 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 allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Benton, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Benton, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Benton, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Benton, 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 Benton, 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 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 Benton, 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 knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Benton, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Benton, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 Benton, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical 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 Benton, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Benton, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Benton, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Benton, MO
Every assault case is unique, and your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the details of your circumstances to build a tailored defense strategy. This could include:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Benton, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Benton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Benton, MO
Once you are charged in Benton, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around Benton, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Benton, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Benton, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Benton, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Benton, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Benton, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Benton, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Benton, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in Benton, 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 Benton, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
