Assault Lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO. Facing assault charges in Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with an experienced Lee’s Summit, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Lee’s Summit, MO Assault Charges
Assault is generally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery is the actual act.
Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Lee’s Summit, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Lee’s Summit, 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 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 involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lee’s Summit, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lee’s Summit, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Lee’s Summit, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Lee’s Summit, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, 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. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Lee’s Summit, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lee’s Summit, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on 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 Lee’s Summit, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear 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 Lee’s Summit, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Lee’s Summit, MO
No two assault cases in Lee’s Summit, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Lee’s Summit, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Lee’s Summit, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- 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 Lee’s Summit, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Lee’s Summit, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lee’s Summit, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings in Lee’s Summit, MO. This involves:
- Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
- Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
- Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Lee’s Summit, MO.
When you are accused of assault in or around Lee’s Summit, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Lee’s Summit, MO residents:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lee’s Summit, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Lee’s Summit, MO, bringing more than three decades of experience and an in-depth knowledge 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. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Lee’s Summit, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lee’s Summit, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Lee’s Summit, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Lee’s Summit, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
