Union, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Union, MO. Facing an assault charge in Union, 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 Union, MO societal stigma that accompanies it.

If you are facing an assault charge in Union, 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.
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 an experienced Union, MO defense attorney.

Assault Lawyer in Union, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally 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 person. On the other hand, battery is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In short, assault is the threat of harm, while battery is the actual act.

The severity of Union, MO assault charges can differ significantly based on the details of your case. Below is an overview of some common assault charges our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Union, MO have handled:

Simple Assault: This typically involves threats of violence or minor physical contact that doesn’t result in serious injury. Despite appearing less severe, a conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious actions, such as assault with a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to much stricter consequences in Union, MO.
Domestic Assault: Charges that involve 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 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 include firearms, knives, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury.

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

Assault Lawyer Union, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Union, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Union, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Union, MO and throughout Missouri, assault charges are categorized into four degrees. Each degree has specific criteria and penalties associated with it:

First Degree Assault in Union, 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. Without serious injury, it’s classified as a Class B Felony, which ranges from 5 to 15 years in prison.

Second Degree Assault in Union, MO

Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault applies when someone:
- Attempts to kill or knowingly cause serious physical injury to another individual under the influence of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause.
- Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to another individual by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Harms 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 Union, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Union, MO occurs when an individual knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious injury.
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 Union, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least serious assault charge and may involve:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in fear of immediate physical injury.
- Recklessly causing physical harm 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 Union, MO: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte Fighting for You

Assault charges can be complex, and the Union, 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 Union, MO:

Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Union, MO

Each Union, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies, mistakes, or violations of your rights.
Arguing Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Other strong defenses might include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
Disputing Witness Testimony: Highlighting any potential biases or unreliable testimonies from witnesses.
Negotiating with the Prosecution: Working to secure alternative sentencing, or to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible.

Efforts to Mitigate Penalties in Union, MO

Even if a conviction seems imminent, a dedicated Union, MO Combs Waterkotte defense lawyer can aim to mitigate the consequences you face. This could involve:

Negotiating for reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.
Advocating for alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
Attempting to expunge or seal your records when possible, minimizing the long-term repercussions of a conviction.

Safeguarding Your Rights in Union, MO

From the moment you’re charged in Union, MO, your rights are in jeopardy. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Union, MO assault defense attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are preserved throughout the legal process in Union, MO. This involves:

Defending you against self-incrimination or unlawful search and seizure.
Ensuring you {are treated fairly during investigations and court proceedings.
Advocating for you in court to build the best possible defense in Union, MO.

When you are facing an assault charge in or around Union, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal assault lawyer in Union, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to criminal defense from our knowledgeable assault defense attorneys, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Union and beyond:

Assault Lawyer Union, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Near Union, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Assault Lawyer Union, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

Combs Waterkotte specializes in defending assault charges in Union, MO, bringing more than three decades of 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 why Combs Waterkotte is the right choice:

Client-First Philosophy: We prioritize open communication with our Union, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
Expertise: Our attorneys have a proven track record, successfully defending hundreds of clients in assault cases similar to yours in Union, MO.
Tenacious Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the prosecution and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Proven Track Record: With over 300 positive reviews and numerous case victories in Union, MO and beyond, our history of success is clear, with many clients seeing reduced or dismissed charges.

Reach Out to a Leading Union, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today

If you’re facing assault charges in or around Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, MO.