Shelby County, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

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

If you are facing an assault charge in Shelby County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, securing the services of an experienced assault and battery lawyer can be the key to avoiding those severe consequences and maintaining your freedom.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Shelby County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Shelby County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is often defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual 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 inflicting injury.” In short, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Shelby County, MO. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Shelby County, MO frequently deal with:

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 simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more severe offenses, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher penalties in Shelby 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: An escalated charge where the accused allegedly used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious injury.

Are you facing these or similar charges in the Shelby County, MO area? It’s important to speak with a skilled Shelby County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Contact us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Shelby County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Shelby County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Shelby County, MO: Types of Assault Charges

In Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in Shelby County, 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 10-30 years or life imprisonment. If no serious injury occurs, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Shelby County, 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Shelby County, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Shelby County, MO occurs when someone 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 Shelby County, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury 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 Shelby County, MO

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Shelby County, MO

No two assault cases in Shelby County, MO are alike. Your attorney will carefully analyze the specifics of your situation to formulate a personalized defense strategy. This may involve:

Challenging the Evidence: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
Arguing 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 being falsely accused.
Questioning Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating Charges: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentences, or work toward reducing or dismissing charges altogether.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Shelby County, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, an experienced Shelby County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can work to minimize the consequences you might face. Strategies could involve:

Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
Negotiating for probation, community service, diversion programs, or other alternatives to prison time.
Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in Shelby County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Shelby County, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Shelby County, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal process in Shelby County, MO. This includes:

Protecting you from self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Shelby County, MO.

If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Shelby County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Shelby County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:

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

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Shelby County, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Shelby County, MO, leveraging more than 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. 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 maintain clear and consistent communication with our Shelby County, MO clients, ensuring you’re informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Shelby County, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout Shelby County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Shelby County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re dealing with assault charges in the Shelby County, MO area, 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 Shelby County, MO.