Assault Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO. Facing an assault charge in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re charged with assault in O’Fallon, 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 to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable O’Fallon, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical harm.” In summary, assault is the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
Assault charges in O’Fallon, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable O’Fallon, MO criminal defense attorneys 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 conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in O’Fallon, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to violence or threats against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone living in the same household. Domestic assault cases can be more complicated 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 can include firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.
Are you facing these or similar charges in the O’Fallon, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled O’Fallon, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer O’Fallon, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in O’Fallon, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Injures 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 O’Fallon, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in O’Fallon, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This charge is typically a Class E Felony, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in O’Fallon, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical 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 O’Fallon, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in O’Fallon, 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:
- Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or any infringement of your rights.
- Exploring Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and being falsely accused.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce Penalties in O’Fallon, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced O’Fallon, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:
- Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in O’Fallon, MO
Once you are charged in O’Fallon, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte O’Fallon, MO assault defense lawyer ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are accused of assault in or around O’Fallon, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading assault lawyer in O’Fallon, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in O’Fallon and beyond:
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Assault Lawyer O’Fallon, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in O’Fallon, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in O’Fallon, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. 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 O’Fallon, MO.
- Relentless Advocacy: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout O’Fallon, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top O’Fallon, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in the O’Fallon, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 O’Fallon, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
