Assault Lawyer in Boone County, MO. Facing assault charges in Boone County, 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 are facing an assault charge in Boone County, 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.
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 a knowledgeable Boone County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Boone County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
The severity of Boone County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Boone County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Boone County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases are often more complex 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.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Boone County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Boone County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Boone County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Boone County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Boone County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault occurs when someone intentionally attempts to take another individual’s life or knowingly causes or attempts to cause severe physical injury.
- 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, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Boone County, 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Boone County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Boone County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 Boone County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Boone County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Boone County, 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 Boone County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Boone County, MO
No two assault cases in Boone County, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Boone County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Boone County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Boone County, MO
Once you are charged in Boone County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Boone County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive equitable treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Boone County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Boone County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Boone County, MO residents:
- 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Boone County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Boone County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Boone County, 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 successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Boone County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Boone County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Boone County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Boone County, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Boone County, 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 Boone County, MO.
Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
