Assault Lawyer in Platte County, MO. Being charged with assault in Platte 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 Platte County, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Platte 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.
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 Platte County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in Platte County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is generally 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 causing physical 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 Platte County, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our skilled Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- 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 simple assault conviction can still carry significant penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Platte County, 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 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 way that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Platte County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Platte County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer Platte County, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained
In Platte County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Platte County, MO
- Criteria: First-degree assault involves intentionally attempting to kill someone or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- 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 classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.
Second Degree Assault in Platte County, 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 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.
- Injures a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
- 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 County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Platte County, 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 County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury with 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Platte County, MO
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Platte County, 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 County, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Platte County, MO
Each Platte County, 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:
- Challenging the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, errors, or violations of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses might include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Platte County, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, a dedicated Platte County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This could include:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights in Platte County, MO
From the moment charges are filed in Platte County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Platte County, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are protected throughout every stage of the legal process during investigations and court proceedings.
When you’re facing an assault charge in or around Platte County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best assault lawyer in Platte County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Platte County and beyond:
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Platte County, MO
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Platte County, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep knowledge of the complexities of criminal law in Platte County, MO. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Focused: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Platte County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: With over 350 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Platte County, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact the Top Platte County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re facing assault charges in Platte County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Platte County, MO.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
