Florissant, MO

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

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Florissant, 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.
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 an expert Florissant, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Florissant, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

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

• 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 bring about severe consequences.
• Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Florissant, 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 are often more complex due to the personal relationships involved.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Florissant, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Florissant, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Florissant, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Florissant, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Florissant, 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Florissant, 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.
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
  • Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
  • Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
  • Injures 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Florissant, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm 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 Florissant, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

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

Each Florissant, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Florissant, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Florissant, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This could include:

• Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
• Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
• Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Florissant, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Florissant, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Florissant, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Florissant, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Florissant, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Florissant, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Florissant, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
• 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 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Florissant, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.