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.
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 an experienced Benton, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Benton, 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 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 Benton, 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 Benton, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences 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 often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Benton, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Benton, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Benton, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Benton, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Benton, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to 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.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 instances, it is 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 someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Benton, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Benton, 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 Benton, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Benton, MO
No two assault cases in Benton, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Benton, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Benton, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This might include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Benton, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Benton, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Benton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Benton, 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 Benton, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Benton, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding 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 prioritize open communication with our Benton, MO 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 in Benton, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Benton, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Benton, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Benton, MO area, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Benton, 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 Benton, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
