Kennett, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Kennett, MO. Facing an assault charge in Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re charged with assault in Kennett, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 an experienced Kennett, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Kennett, MO: Understanding 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. 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 Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO have handled:

Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Kennett, MO.
Domestic Assault: Charges that involve violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in 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 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 Kennett, MO? You need to speak with an expert Kennett, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Kennett, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Kennett, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Kennett, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Kennett, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Kennett, 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 a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Kennett, 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Kennett, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kennett, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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 Kennett, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm 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 Kennett, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Kennett, MO can be intimidating. It’s essential to have an expert assault defense lawyer by your side to guide you through this complex process. Here’s exactly how Combs Waterkotte can support you in Kennett, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Kennett, MO

Each Kennett, 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 inconsistencies, errors, 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 can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Kennett, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Kennett, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:

Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Kennett, MO

Once you are charged in Kennett, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kennett, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal proceedings in Kennett, MO. This includes:

Defending you against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
Make sure you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
Representing you in court to provide the best possible defense in Kennett, MO.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Kennett, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in Kennett, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Kennett, MO residents:

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

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Kennett, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Kennett, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Kennett, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Kennett, MO.
Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
Proven Results: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Kennett, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re dealing with assault charges in Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO.