Assault Lawyer in Hannibal, MO. Being charged with assault in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Marion County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Marion County and Missouri.
If you’re charged with assault in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Hannibal, MO: A Guide to 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 summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges in Hannibal, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Hannibal, MO have handled:
- 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 involves more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Hannibal, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Hannibal, MO? You need to speak with an expert Hannibal, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Hannibal, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Hannibal, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Hannibal, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Hannibal, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 Hannibal, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Hannibal, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Hannibal, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using 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 Hannibal, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Hannibal, MO
Each Hannibal, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing 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.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Hannibal, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Hannibal, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Defending Your Rights in Hannibal, MO
Once you are charged in Hannibal, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hannibal, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Hannibal, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Hannibal, MO.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Hannibal, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Hannibal, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Hannibal, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Hannibal, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Hannibal, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Hannibal, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- 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 Hannibal, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Track Record: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Hannibal, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Hannibal, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in Hannibal, MO, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 Hannibal, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
