Assault Lawyer in Kirkwood, MO. Being charged with assault in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Kirkwood, 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.
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 Kirkwood, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Kirkwood, 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, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Kirkwood, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Kirkwood, MO frequently work on:
- 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Kirkwood, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around Kirkwood, MO? You need to speak with an expert Kirkwood, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Kirkwood, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Kirkwood, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Kirkwood, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves an intentional attempt to kill another individual or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm to someone.
- 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 carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Kirkwood, 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 severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: Assault on a law enforcement officer is classified as a Class B Felony, with penalties ranging from 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 Kirkwood, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Kirkwood, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- 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 Kirkwood, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
- Penalties: This charge is generally a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if a special victim is involved, it escalates to a Class E Felony, carrying up to 4 years in prison.
Assault Lawyer Kirkwood, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Kirkwood, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Working to Reduce Penalties in Kirkwood, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Kirkwood, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Kirkwood, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Kirkwood, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Kirkwood, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Kirkwood, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best assault lawyer in Kirkwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for Kirkwood, MO residents:
- 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 Kirkwood, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Kirkwood, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Kirkwood, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
