Assault Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. Facing an assault charge in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, MO societal stigma that accompanies 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced St. Louis County, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer in St. Louis County, 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 cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In summary, assault is the act of threatening someone with physical 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. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis 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 result in considerable penalties.
- Aggravated Assault: This encompasses more serious offenses, like assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in St. Louis County, 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 are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An escalated 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 harm.
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.
Assault Lawyer St. Louis County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In St. Louis County, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are categorized 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 a serious physical injury occurs, it’s categorized as a Class A Felony which leads to 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 St. Louis County, 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.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 instances, it is 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 or recklessly inflicts serious injury on another 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 harm 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: 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
Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in St. Louis County, MO
No two assault cases in St. Louis County, 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: Carefully analyzing the prosecution’s evidence for potential inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
- Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Additional strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and false accusation.
- Questioning Witness Testimony: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Working to Reduce 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 might face. Strategies could involve:
- Seeking reduced charges or lighter sentences.
- Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact 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 in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
When you are facing an assault charge in or around St. Louis County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting the best assault lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense lawyers, our entire staff offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis County and beyond:
- 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
- Criminal Lawyer
Assault Lawyer: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte in St. Louis County, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in St. Louis County, MO, leveraging more than three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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 emphasize transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved in every step of your defense.
- Expertise: Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients against assault charges in cases just like yours in St. Louis County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Demonstrated Success: Our more than 300 reviews and track record throughout St. Louis County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Contact the Top St. Louis County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now
If you’re dealing with assault charges in the St. Louis County, MO area, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
