Lexington, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Lexington, MO. Being charged with assault in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you’re charged with assault in Lexington, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail and freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Lexington, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding Lexington, MO Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear 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 inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves 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 Lexington, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Lexington, MO have handled:

Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Lexington, 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 personal relationships involved.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A more severe charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This could include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious harm.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Lexington, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Lexington, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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

Assault Lawyer Lexington, MO: Types of Assault Charges

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

First Degree Assault in Lexington, 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. If no serious injury results, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Lexington, 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
Penalties: When a law enforcement officer is involved, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, leading to 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 Lexington, MO

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

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm using a deadly weapon.
Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer Lexington, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Lexington, MO

Each Lexington, 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:

Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
Proving Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Lexington, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Lexington, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. Strategies might include:

Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
Advocating 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.

Defending Your Rights in Lexington, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Lexington, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Lexington, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Lexington, MO. This involves:

Shielding 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 Lexington, MO.

When you are accused of assault in or around Lexington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Lexington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lexington and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer Lexington, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Lexington, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding 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 why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO.
Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Proven Results: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Lexington, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in Lexington, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO.