Assault Lawyer in Chesterfield, MO. Being charged with assault in Chesterfield, MO is a serious matter that can dramatically impact your life. From severe penalties like incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent record, in addition to the lasting social repercussions throughout Chesterfield, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
If you are facing an assault charge in Chesterfield, 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.
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 Chesterfield, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Chesterfield, 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Chesterfield, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Chesterfield, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Chesterfield, 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 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 manner that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Chesterfield, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Chesterfield, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Chesterfield, MO
In Chesterfield, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Chesterfield, 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 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 occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Chesterfield, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using 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.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Chesterfield, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Chesterfield, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified as 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 Chesterfield, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Chesterfield, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Chesterfield, 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Chesterfield, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Chesterfield, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Chesterfield, MO
Once you are charged in Chesterfield, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Chesterfield, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Chesterfield, MO. This includes:
- Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
- Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Chesterfield, MO.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Chesterfield, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Chesterfield, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Chesterfield, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Chesterfield, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Chesterfield, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Chesterfield, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Chesterfield, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Chesterfield, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Chesterfield, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Chesterfield, MO, 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 Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
