Des Peres, MO

Assault Lawyer in Des Peres, MO. Being charged with assault in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in Des Peres, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and 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 Des Peres, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Des Peres, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Des Peres, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

• Simple Assault: This typically 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Des Peres, MO.
• Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within 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 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 injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Des Peres, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Des Peres, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Des Peres, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Des Peres, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Des Peres, 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Des Peres, 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.
  • 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.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Des Peres, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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 Des Peres, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
  • Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm with 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 Des Peres, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Des Peres, MO

Each Des Peres, 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:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
• Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Des Peres, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Des Peres, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you face. This might involve:

• Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
• Advocating 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Des Peres, MO

Once you are charged in Des Peres, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Des Peres, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Des Peres, 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Des Peres, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Des Peres, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Des Peres, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

• Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Des Peres, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
• Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Des Peres, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Des Peres, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Des Peres, MO, 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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO.

Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.