Washington, MO

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Assault Lawyer in Washington, MO. Being charged with assault in Washington, 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 Washington, MO, an assault conviction is no joke.

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

Assault Lawyer in Washington, MO: Understanding Assault Charges

Assault is generally defined as “any deliberate act that causes another individual to fear imminent physical harm.” This can include verbal or physical threats, aggressive gestures, and any attempt to strike another individual. Battery, on the other hand, is defined as “the act of causing physical injury.” In essence, assault involves the threat of harm, while battery involves the actual physical act.

Assault charges can vary widely in severity depending on the circumstances of your case in Washington, MO. Here’s a brief overview of some common assault charges our skilled Washington, MO criminal defense attorneys have handled:

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 conviction for simple assault can still carry significant penalties.
Aggravated Assault: This includes more serious offenses, like using a deadly weapon or causing significant bodily harm. Aggravated assault is typically considered a felony, leading to more severe penalties in Washington, 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 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 way that could cause serious harm.

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

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

Assault Lawyer Washington, MO: Types of Assault Charges Explained

In Washington, MO and across Missouri, assault charges are divided into four degrees. Each degree is based on specific actions and carries its own set of penalties:

First Degree Assault in Washington, 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, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Second Degree Assault in Washington, MO

Criteria: The charge of second-degree assault is applicable 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.
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous object to inflict or attempt to inflict injury.
- Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another individual.
- Causes injury while driving or boating under the influence.
- Physically 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 assault cases, they’re a Class D Felony with potential imprisonment ranging from 1 to 7 years.

Third Degree Assault in Washington, MO

Criteria: Third-degree assault in Washington, MO occurs when someone knowingly inflicts physical injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious harm.
Penalties: This charge is typically 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 Washington, MO

Criteria: Fourth-degree assault is the least severe assault charge and may include:
- Attempting to cause physical harm or placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical harm.
- Recklessly causing physical injury or making unwanted physical contact.
- Negligently causing physical injury using a deadly weapon.
Penalties: This degree of assault is considered a Class A Misdemeanor which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. However, if the assault involves a special victim, it is a Class E Felony meaning up to 4 years in prison.

Assault Lawyer: Why You Need Combs Waterkotte on Your Side in Washington, MO

Facing an assault charge is daunting, and navigating the Washington, 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 Washington, MO:

Crafting a Robust Defense Strategy in Washington, MO

No two assault cases in Washington, 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: Investigating the prosecution’s evidence for inconsistencies, errors, or breaches of your rights.
Arguing Self-Defense: Proving that your actions were in self-defense or in defense of another person. Additional strong defenses can include: lack of intent, mutual consent, and being falsely accused.
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.

Striving to Lessen Penalties in Washington, MO

Even if a conviction appears unavoidable, a dedicated Washington, MO Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can focus on reducing the consequences you might face. This might involve:

Pursuing reduced charges or more lenient sentences.
Negotiating 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.

Protecting Your Rights in Washington, MO

From the moment charges are filed in Washington, MO, your rights could be compromised. An expert|An experienced} Combs Waterkotte Washington, MO assault defense attorney ensures that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process in Washington, MO. This includes:

Protecting you from self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure.
Make sure you {are treated fairly throughout investigations and court proceedings.
Providing robust courtroom representation to secure the best defense on your behalf in Washington, MO.

When you’re accused of assault in or around Washington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best assault lawyer in Washington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with criminal defense from our esteemed assault defense lawyers, our entire legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Washington, MO residents:

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

Assault Lawyer Washington, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte

At Combs Waterkotte, we specialize in defending assault charges in Washington, MO, leveraging over three decades of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law to deliver exceptional results. 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 prioritize open communication with our Washington, MO clients, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
Expertise: Our attorneys have defended hundreds of clients facing assault charges just like yours in Washington, MO, bringing a wealth of experience to your case.
Relentless Advocacy: We aren’t afraid to confront the prosecution head-on, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the strongest possible defense.
Proven Track Record: Our 300+ reviews and extensive case history in and around Washington, MO demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced and dismissed charges.

Contact the Top Washington, MO Assault Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Right Now

If you’re dealing with assault charges in or around Washington, MO, don’t wait to see what happens. Get the legal help you need right away. 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 Washington, MO.