Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Facing an assault charge in Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.
If you’re facing assault charges anywhere in the Ste. Genevieve County, 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.
Contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable Ste. Genevieve County, MO defense attorney.
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Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Understanding Assault Charges
Assault is traditionally 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.
The severity of Ste. Genevieve 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 knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Ste. Genevieve County, MO have handled:
- Simple Assault: This usually involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Even though it may seem less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still bring about severe consequences.
- Aggravated Assault: This includes more severe actions, like assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Ste. Genevieve 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 are often more complex due to the close personal relationships involved.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: An enhanced 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 manner that could cause serious injury.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ste. Genevieve County, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Ste. Genevieve County, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri.
Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Types of Assault Charges
In Ste. Genevieve County, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees, each with its own specific criteria and associated penalties:
First Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve 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 physical injury results, it is classified as a Class A Felony, punishable by 10-30 years or life in prison. 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 Ste. Genevieve 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.
- Attempts to cause or intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Causes injury while intoxicated and operating a vehicle or boat.
- Harms a law enforcement officer or emergency responder.
- 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 cases, it’s considered a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve County, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ste. Genevieve County, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
- Penalties: This offense is categorized as a Class E Felony, which may lead to up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation. If the victim is a special victim, it’s escalated to a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve County, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm or making unwanted 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Why Combs Waterkotte is the Defense You Need
An assault charge is serious, and the legal landscape in Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO:
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve County, MO
No two assault cases in Ste. Genevieve 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 any infringement 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, consent, and false accusation.
- Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable aspects in witness statements.
- Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working with prosecutors to seek alternative sentencing options, or reduce or dismiss charges.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ste. Genevieve County, MO
Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Ste. Genevieve County, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can work to minimize the consequences you might face. This might include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
- Negotiating 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.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Ste. Genevieve County, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve County, MO assault defense lawyer is committed to ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout receive fair treatment throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Ste. Genevieve County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the leading assault lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Ste. Genevieve County, MO residents:
Assault Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep knowledge of criminal law to every case we handle. Our dedication to our clients is unmatched, and we strive to secure the best possible outcomes. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO.
- Tenacious Defense: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
- Proven Results: Our more than 400 reviews and track record throughout Ste. Genevieve County, MO speak volumes, with numerous cases resulting in reduced charges and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Ste. Genevieve County, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re confronted with assault charges in the Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO.
Reach out to us today at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
