Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Facing an assault charge in Hazelwood, MO is a critical situation that can lead to life-changing consequences. A conviction could mean harsh penalties, including prison time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record, as well as the Hazelwood, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Hazelwood, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Hazelwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent 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.
The severity of Hazelwood, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Hazelwood, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter penalties in Hazelwood, 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 close 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Hazelwood, MO? You need to speak with an expert Hazelwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Hazelwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. 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 Hazelwood, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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.
- 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.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Hazelwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Hazelwood, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized as 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 Hazelwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted 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 Hazelwood, MO
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Hazelwood, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Hazelwood, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Hazelwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Hazelwood, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Hazelwood, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Hazelwood, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are accused of assault in or around Hazelwood, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Hazelwood and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Hazelwood, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Hazelwood, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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-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 Hazelwood, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Hazelwood, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Hazelwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO.
Reach out to us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
