Assault Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Being charged with assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.
If you are facing an assault charge in Ste. Genevieve, 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.
Get in touch with Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation to go over the specifics of your case with an expert Ste. Genevieve, MO defense attorney.
Assault Lawyer: Understanding Ste. Genevieve, MO 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 cause physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of inflicting injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.
The severity of Ste. Genevieve, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is a quick overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable Ste. Genevieve, MO criminal defense attorneys frequently deal with:
- Simple Assault: Often involving threats of violence or minor physical altercations that don’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 severe actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or inflicting substantial bodily harm. Aggravated assault is often treated as a felony, leading to harsher consequences in Ste. Genevieve, MO.
- Domestic Assault: Charges related to 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: An escalated charge where the accused is alleged to have used a weapon during the assault. This can involve firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner that could cause serious harm.
If you’re facing these charges or anything similar in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO assault attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Assault Lawyer: Types of Assault Charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO
In Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are classified into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:
First Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 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 a Class B Felony, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Second Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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 intentionally inflicts injury using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly inflicts serious injury on another individual.
- Injures another while driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physically 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony and imprisonment ranges from 1 to 7 years.
Third Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO
- Criteria: Third-degree assault in Ste. Genevieve, 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, which can include up to 4 years in prison, fines, or probation, unless the assault was on a special victim, in which case it is a Class D Felony.
Fourth Degree Assault in Ste. Genevieve, MO
- Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical injury or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or offensive contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury 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, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You
Assault charges can be complex, and the Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO:
Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Each Ste. Genevieve, 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 potential inconsistencies, errors, or any infringement of your rights.
- Proving Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses can include: lack of intent, consent, and false accusation.
- Challenging Witness Testimonies: Identifying potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
- Negotiating Charges: Engaging to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.
Striving to Lessen Penalties in Ste. Genevieve, MO
Even if a conviction seems likely, an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can focus on reducing the penalties you might face. Strategies could include:
- Negotiating for reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
- Advocating for probation, community service, diversion, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Expunging or sealing records where possible to limit the long-term impact of a conviction.
Safeguarding Your Rights in Ste. Genevieve, MO
From the moment you’re charged in Ste. Genevieve, MO, your rights are at risk. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout every stage of the legal process throughout investigations and court proceedings.
If you’re facing an assault charge in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal assault lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for Ste. Genevieve, MO residents:
- 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. What sets Combs Waterkotte apart:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication with our Ste. Genevieve, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Expertise: Our legal team has defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Ste. Genevieve, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
- Tenacious Defense: We’re committed to challenging the prosecution and vigorously defending your rights, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Proven Track Record: Our 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Ste. Genevieve, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.
Reach Out to a Leading Ste. Genevieve, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you’re facing assault charges in or around Ste. Genevieve, MO, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Reach out to us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online.
