Assault Lawyer in Bowling Green, MO. Facing assault charges in Bowling Green, 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 facing assault charges anywhere in the Bowling Green, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and freedom.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Bowling Green, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Bowling Green, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, 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 Bowling Green, 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 criminal defense attorneys in Bowling Green, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Bowling Green, 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: An escalated 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 way that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Bowling Green, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Bowling Green, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Bowling Green, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Bowling Green, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Bowling Green, 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Bowling Green, 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Bowling Green, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Bowling Green, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Bowling Green, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Bowling Green, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Bowling Green, MO
Each Bowling Green, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Bowling Green, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Bowling Green, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Bowling Green, MO
Once you are charged in Bowling Green, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Bowling Green, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you are accused of assault in or around Bowling Green, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Bowling Green, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 Bowling Green, MO residents:
- 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
- Criminal Lawyer
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Bowling Green, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Bowling Green, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Bowling Green, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Bowling Green, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Bowling Green, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in the Bowling Green, MO area, 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 Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
