St. Louis County, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. Facing assault charges in St. Louis County, 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 charged with assault in St. Louis 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable St. Louis County, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer: Understanding St. Louis County, MO Assault Charges

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

The severity of St. Louis County, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our experienced St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:

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 simple assault conviction can still bring about severe consequences.
Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in St. Louis County, 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 are often more complex due to the close 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 could involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around St. Louis County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced St. Louis County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.

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Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in St. Louis County, MO

In St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 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 classified as a Class B Felony, with a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in St. Louis County, MO

Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly causes severe physical harm under sudden passion due to adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes severe physical harm to someone else.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in St. Louis County, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in St. Louis County, MO occurs when an individual knowingly causes physical injury to 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 St. Louis County, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and can involve:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or offensive physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical harm with a deadly weapon.
Penalties: Generally, this charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the offense involves a special victim, it’s upgraded to a Class E Felony, with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer St. Louis County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need

An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MO:

Developing a Comprehensive Defense Strategy in St. Louis County, MO

Each St. Louis 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:

Scrutinizing the Evidence: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, mistakes, or breaches of your rights.
Exploring Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying biases or inconsistencies in the statements provided by witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in St. Louis County, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, an experienced St. Louis County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. Strategies might include:

Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentences.
Negotiating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
Seeking to expunge or seal records where eligible, reducing the long-term effects of a conviction.

Protecting Your Rights in St. Louis County, MO

From the moment charges are filed in St. Louis County, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO assault defense attorney is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in St. Louis County, MO. This includes:

Shielding you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
Ensuring you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
Advocating for you in court to build the strongest possible defense in St. Louis County, MO.

If you are accused of assault in or around St. Louis County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis County and beyond:

Assault Lawyer St. Louis County, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near St. Louis County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer St. Louis County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Louis County, MO, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience and a comprehensive understanding of criminal law to every case we handle. We are fully committed to our clients, working diligently to ensure the best outcomes possible. Here’s what makes Combs Waterkotte stand out:

Client-First Philosophy: We emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in St. Louis County, MO.
Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Proven Results: Our 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around St. Louis County, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

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

If you’re facing assault charges in or around St. Louis County, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MO.