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.
If you’re charged with assault in Platte County, 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 County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Platte County, MO 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. 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.
The severity of Platte County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently work on:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Platte County, 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 can be more complicated 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 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: Types of Assault Charges in Platte County, MO
In Platte County, 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 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 serious injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Platte County, MO
- Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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 causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- Penalties: If the assault involves a law enforcement officer, it’s a Class B Felony and can result in 5 to 15 years in prison. For other assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Platte County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Platte County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized as a Class E Felony, with consequences including up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s elevated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Platte County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Platte County, MO
Assault charges can be complex, and the Platte County, 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 Platte County, MO:
Building a Strong 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:
- Evaluating the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or any infringement 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, consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating Charges: 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 appears unavoidable, a dedicated Platte County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the penalties you face. This might involve:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
- 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.
Safeguarding 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 lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.
If you are facing an assault charge in or around Platte County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Platte County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Platte County 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 Platte County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Platte County, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:
- Client-Centered Approach: 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.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Platte County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Platte County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Platte County, MO area, don’t delay in seeking the legal representation you need. 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 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 Platte County, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
