Plattsburg, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Plattsburg, MO. Facing an assault charge in Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you’re charged with assault in Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Plattsburg, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often 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 injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges in Plattsburg, MO can range in severity depending on the specifics of your situation. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Plattsburg, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

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 bring about severe consequences.
Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Plattsburg, 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 close 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 injury.

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

Assault Lawyer Plattsburg, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Plattsburg, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Plattsburg, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Plattsburg, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Plattsburg, 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 injury is inflicted, it’s considered a Class A Felony, resulting in 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 Plattsburg, MO

Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies 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 serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 Plattsburg, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Plattsburg, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
Penalties: These are classified 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 Plattsburg, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive 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 Plattsburg, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Plattsburg, MO

Each Plattsburg, 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:

Scrutinizing the Evidence: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
Proving Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
Challenging Witness Testimonies: Highlighting any biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecution: Engaging with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Plattsburg, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced Plattsburg, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could involve:

Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to prison time.
Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Plattsburg, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Plattsburg, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Plattsburg, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Plattsburg, MO.

If you are accused of assault in or around Plattsburg, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal assault lawyer in Plattsburg, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Plattsburg and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer Plattsburg, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte is your trusted partner for assault defense in Plattsburg, MO, bringing over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Plattsburg, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Plattsburg, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Plattsburg, MO.
Tenacious Defense: 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 Plattsburg, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Plattsburg, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re facing assault charges in the Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO.