Assault Lawyer in Ferguson, MO. Being charged with assault in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, 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’re charged with assault in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Ferguson, MO: A Guide to 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 essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Ferguson, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Ferguson, 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Ferguson, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe 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 injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the Ferguson, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Ferguson, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Ferguson, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Ferguson, MO and across 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 Ferguson, 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. If no serious injury results, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Ferguson, 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 inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ferguson, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ferguson, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Ferguson, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Ferguson, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Ferguson, MO
No two assault cases in Ferguson, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ferguson, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Ferguson, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Ferguson, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Ferguson, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ferguson, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Ferguson, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Ferguson, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Ferguson, MO residents:
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Weapons Crime Attorney
- DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Ferguson, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Ferguson, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding 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. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Ferguson, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Ferguson, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 350+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Ferguson, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Ferguson, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in Ferguson, MO, 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 Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.