Lewis County, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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

If you’re charged with assault in Lewis County, 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 where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Lewis County, MO defense attorney.

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

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Lewis County, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Lewis County, 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. Even though it may seem less severe, a simple assault conviction can still result in considerable penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Lewis County, MO.
Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone within the same household. Domestic assault cases often have additional complications due to the close personal relationships involved.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

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

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

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Lewis County, MO

In Lewis County, MO and throughout 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 Lewis 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Lewis 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 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 potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Lewis County, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Lewis County, MO occurs when someone knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
Penalties: This offense is categorized 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 Lewis County, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Lewis County, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Lewis County, MO

No two assault cases in Lewis County, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Lewis County, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Lewis County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:

Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
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.

Protecting Your Rights in Lewis County, MO

Once you are charged in Lewis County, MO, your rights are at risk. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lewis County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings in Lewis County, MO. This includes:

Shielding you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Lewis County, MO.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Lewis County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in Lewis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lewis County and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Lewis County, MO

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Lewis County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Lewis County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

Client-First Philosophy: 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 Lewis County, MO.
Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Demonstrated Success: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lewis County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Lewis County, MO area, 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 Lewis County, MO.