Assault Lawyer in Johnson County, MO. Facing assault charges in Johnson 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 are facing an assault charge in Johnson County, 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 a knowledgeable Johnson County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Johnson County, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often 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 individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Johnson County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Johnson County, MO frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Johnson County, 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: 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 way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Johnson County, MO? You need to speak with an expert Johnson County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Johnson County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Johnson County, 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 Johnson County, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Johnson County, 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.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Johnson County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Johnson County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on 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 Johnson County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted 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 Johnson County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Johnson County, 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 Johnson County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Johnson County, MO
No two assault cases in Johnson County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Johnson County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Johnson County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies might include:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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 Johnson County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Johnson County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Johnson County, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Johnson County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Johnson County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Johnson County and beyond:
- 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Johnson County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Johnson County, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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-Centered Approach: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Johnson County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Johnson County, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: 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 Johnson County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Johnson County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Johnson County, MO, 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 Johnson County, MO.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
