St. Joseph, MO

Assault Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO. Facing assault charges in St. Joseph, MO is a serious situation that can have life-altering consequences. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the social stigma that comes with it.

If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the St. Joseph, 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an expert St. Joseph, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO: Understanding 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, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical 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 St. Joseph, MO. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our experienced St. Joseph, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

• Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still result in considerable penalties.
• Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in St. Joseph, 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 often have additional complications due to the 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.

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

Assault Lawyer St. Joseph, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:

First Degree Assault in St. Joseph, 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 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, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in St. Joseph, 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.
  • Physically harms a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel.
• 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 St. Joseph, MO

• Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Joseph, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
• Penalties: This charge is typically 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 St. Joseph, MO

• Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and can involve:
  • Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
  • Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
  • Negligently causing physical harm using 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 St. Joseph, MO

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in St. Joseph, MO

Each St. Joseph, 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: Examining the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
• Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other potential defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
• Disputing Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
• Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Working to Reduce Penalties in St. Joseph, MO

Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced St. Joseph, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can aim to mitigate the consequences you might face. This might involve:

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

Defending Your Rights in St. Joseph, MO

From the moment charges are filed in St. Joseph, MO, your rights could be compromised. A skilled|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout receive equitable treatment during investigations and court proceedings.

If you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Joseph, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for St. Joseph, MO residents:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Joseph, MO

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in St. Joseph, MO, leveraging over 30 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. Here’s why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

• Client-First Philosophy: We maintain clear and consistent communication with our St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout St. Joseph, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top St. Joseph, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re confronted with assault charges in the St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO.

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