Henry County, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Henry County, MO. Facing assault charges in Henry County, 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.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Henry County, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Henry County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Henry County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person 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 harm.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

The severity of Henry County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Henry County, 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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Henry County, 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.

Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Henry County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Henry County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Henry County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Henry County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Henry County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Henry County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Henry County, 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. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Henry County, 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 inflicts serious injury on 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 a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Henry County, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Henry County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
Penalties: These are classified as 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 Henry County, 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 harm 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 Henry County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

Assault charges can be complex, and the Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Henry County, 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:

Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Henry County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Henry County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This could involve:

Negotiating for 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.

Defending Your Rights in Henry County, MO

Once you are charged in Henry County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Henry County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process in Henry County, MO. This involves:

Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
Representing you in court to build the best possible defense in Henry County, MO.

If you’re accused of assault in or around Henry County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Henry County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Henry County, MO residents:

Assault Lawyer Henry County, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Henry County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Henry County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Henry County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Henry County, MO. 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 Henry County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Henry County, 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 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Henry County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Henry County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re confronted with assault charges in Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO.