Assault Lawyer in Florissant, MO. Facing assault charges in Florissant, 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.
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 Florissant, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert Florissant, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Florissant, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Florissant, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Florissant, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Florissant, 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 personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could involve 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 Florissant, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Florissant, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Florissant, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Florissant, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- 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 occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Florissant, 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.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- 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 with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Florissant, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Florissant, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 Florissant, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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 Florissant, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Florissant, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Florissant, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies could include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Florissant, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Florissant, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Florissant, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Florissant and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Florissant, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Florissant, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Florissant, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. 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 a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Florissant, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Florissant, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Florissant, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Florissant, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Contact the Combs Waterkotte assault lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case review with an experienced attorney. We’re here to help defend your rights and fight for your future in Florissant, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
