Assault Lawyer in New Madrid County, MO. Being charged with assault in New Madrid County, 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 New Madrid County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the New Madrid County, MO area or across Missouri, having an experienced assault and battery lawyer by your side can be the difference between staring down those significant penalties and 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 expert New Madrid County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding New Madrid County, MO Assault Charges
Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in New Madrid County, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in New Madrid County, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher penalties in New Madrid County, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges that stem from 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: An enhanced 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 harm.
Facing these charges or anything similar in or around New Madrid County, MO? You need to speak with an expert New Madrid County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in New Madrid County, MO
In New Madrid County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:
First Degree Assault in New Madrid 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 serious physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in New Madrid County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency worker.
- 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 and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in New Madrid County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in New Madrid County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- 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 New Madrid County, 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 injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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 New Madrid County, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the New Madrid County, 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 New Madrid County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in New Madrid County, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in New Madrid County, MO
Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced New Madrid County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.
Defending Your Rights in New Madrid County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in New Madrid County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte New Madrid County, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re accused of assault in or around New Madrid County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the leading assault lawyer in New Madrid 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 staff offers expertise in the following areas for New Madrid County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in New Madrid County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in New Madrid County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our New Madrid County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
- Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in New Madrid County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around New Madrid County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading New Madrid County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in or around New Madrid County, 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 New Madrid County, 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 New Madrid County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
