Assault Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO. Being charged with assault in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re charged with assault in Maryland Heights, 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 an experienced Maryland Heights, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any intentional 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. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in Maryland Heights, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Maryland Heights, 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 conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Maryland Heights, 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 are often more complex 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 can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Maryland Heights, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Maryland Heights, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Maryland Heights, MO
In Maryland Heights, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, 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. 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 Maryland Heights, 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Maryland Heights, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Maryland Heights, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: These are classified 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 Maryland Heights, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can 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: 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 Maryland Heights, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Assault charges can be complex, and the Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO:
Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in Maryland Heights, MO
No two assault cases in Maryland Heights, 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 breaches of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to explore alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Maryland Heights, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Maryland Heights, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the penalties you might face. This could involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in Maryland Heights, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Maryland Heights, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Maryland Heights, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Maryland Heights, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryland Heights and beyond:
- 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 Maryland Heights, MO
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Maryland Heights, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Maryland Heights, MO. 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 maintain clear and consistent communication with our Maryland Heights, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in Maryland Heights, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Results: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Maryland Heights, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Maryland Heights, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Maryland Heights, MO area, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
