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Platte City, MO

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Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Platte City, MO. Facing assault charges in Platte City, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.

If you’re charged with assault in Platte City, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, having a skilled assault and battery lawyer on your side could make all the difference between jail 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 experienced Platte City, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Platte City, MO: Understanding 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. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of inflicting 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 Platte City, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Platte City, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

  • Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
  • Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Platte City, 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.

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

Assault Lawyer Platte City, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Platte City, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Platte City, MO

In Platte City, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Platte City, 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. Without serious injury, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Platte City, 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.
    • Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using 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: 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Platte City, MO

  • Criteria: Third-degree assault in Platte City, MO occurs when someone 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 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 Platte City, MO

  • Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may include:

    • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
    • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
    • Negligently causing physical harm using 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 Platte City, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Platte City, MO

Each Platte City, 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:

  • Evaluating the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
  • Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
  • Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
  • Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in Platte City, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Platte City, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you face. This could include:

  • Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
  • Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
  • Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Platte City, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Platte City, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Platte City, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

  • Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Platte City, MO.
  • When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Platte City, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the best assault lawyer in Platte City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Platte City and beyond:

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

    Assault Lawyer Platte City, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

    Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Platte City, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Platte City, MO. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

    • Client-Focused: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our Platte City, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
    • Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Platte City, MO.
    • Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
    • Proven Results: Our more than 350 reviews and track record throughout Platte City, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

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

    If you’re dealing with assault charges in Platte City, 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 Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO.

    Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.

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