Smithville, MO

Assault Lawyer in Smithville, MO. Being charged with assault in Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

If you are facing an assault charge in Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Smithville, MO: A Guide to Assault Charges

Assault is traditionally defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, threatening gestures, and any attempt to strike another person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

The severity of Smithville, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Smithville, MO have handled:

• Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. While it might seem less serious, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This involves more serious actions, like using a deadly weapon or causing substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to more severe consequences in Smithville, 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 is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can include 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 Smithville, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Smithville, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

Assault Lawyer Smithville, MO: Types of Assault Charges

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

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

Second Degree Assault in Smithville, MO

• Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
  • Attempts to kill or causes serious physical injury under the influence of sudden passion provoked by adequate cause.
  • Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
  • 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 instances, it is a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Smithville, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in Smithville, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• 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 Smithville, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive 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: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Smithville, MO

Assault charges can be complex, and the Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Smithville, MO

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

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
• Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
• Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Smithville, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Smithville, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. Strategies could involve:

• Negotiating for 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 Smithville, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Smithville, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Smithville, MO assault defense lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around Smithville, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in Smithville, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our experienced assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Smithville 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: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in Smithville, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Smithville, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:

• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our Smithville, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
• Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Smithville, MO.
• Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
• Demonstrated Success: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Smithville, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Smithville, MO, 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO.

Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.