A Missouri assault charge will utterly disrupt your life. Arrest can follow a simple fight. You need help as soon as possible if you are charged. A good local Kansas City criminal defense lawyer will represent you and protect your rights.
What is Missouri Assault?
Assault is when one tries to cause harm or actually cause harm to another. The state of Missouri has categorized assault into four degrees:
First-Degree Assault
It is the most serious. It involves trying to kill or severely harm someone. It is primarily a felony.
Second-Degree Assault
It involves severe injury or harm by the use of a weapon or careless behavior. It is also a felony.
Third-Degree Assault
This is the willful infliction of physical injury or disease upon another. It is usually a misdemeanor.
Fourth-Degree Assault
This is the least serious. This is threats or minor contact. This is chargeable as a misdemeanor. Punishments vary based on the degree and type of case. Conviction can result in time in jail, hefty fines, and a criminal record.
Why You Should Hire a Kansas City Assault Lawyer
Assault charges are serious. Regardless of whether or not you believe the case is minor, you require a strong defense. Here is why you require a lawyer:
Protect Your Rights
Police and prosecutors will not be working for you. Your attorney knows the law and will keep you from making mistakes.
Review Evidence
Your attorney will examine police reports, videos, and witness statements. They will look for flaws or unsupported allegations.
Formulate a Defense Plan
Each case is different. Maybe it was an accident or self-defense. Your lawyer can figure out the facts.
Negotiate a Reduced Charge
Your lawyer can reduce your charges or get them dismissed.
Guide You Through Court
Court can be intimidating. Your lawyer will explain to you what will happen and represent you.
Possible Defenses to Charges of Assault
Your experienced assault lawyer can use many defenses. Some of the more common are:
Self-Defense
You were entitled to defend yourself if you felt threatened.
Defense of Others
You were defending someone else against harm.
Lack of Intent
You did not intend to cause harm or scare.
False Accusation
The other party may have made up the situation or blown it out of proportion.
Accident
The injury was not intentional or planned.
Your lawyer will walk through all of this and see what is the most viable defense.
What Happens When You Are Charged
If you are arrested, this is what happens:
Arrest and Booking
Police arrest you and take your photo and print your fingerprints.
Bond Hearing
You have a hearing for determining bail so you can return home until court.
Arraignment
You stand before a judge to have the charges read and enter a plea.
Discovery
Both sides share evidence.
Pretrial Motions
Your lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence or throw the charges out.
Trial
If the case does not clear up, it is tried.
Sentencing
Punishment is assigned by the judge when you’re found guilty.
All of these matter. An attorney keeps you from doing something that is going to hurt your case.
How an Assault Conviction Can Change Your Life
A conviction will do more than make you have to pay a fine or be jailed. It will change your life. Here are some of the consequences:
Criminal Record
A conviction on an assault charge will show up on background checks.
Job Loss
Employers will not hire you.
Trouble With Renting
Landlords might refuse to rent to you for a home.
Right to Carry Arms
You can lose your right to carry arms.
Immigration Problems
Non-citizens might get deported.
Damage to Reputation
Friends and family members will not have the same opinion of you.
That is why it is so very important to have a Kansas City assault attorney.
Why Our Kansas City Assault Lawyers
We specialize in representing the accused of assault in Missouri. Here is why clients refer us:
Proven Experience
We have successfully won many assault cases.
Straight Talk
We define your options to you in straightforward terms.
Aggressive Defense
We will fight hard to protect your rights.
Personal Attention
You are not a file. We care about your future.
You receive an entire team of people who work on your case when you retain us.
What To Do If You Are Arrested?
If you are arrested by police on a charge of assault, the following should be done:
Stay Calm
Don’t fight or resist.
Use Your Right to Remain Silent
You don’t have to respond to questions.
Ask for a Lawyer
Tell the police that you would like to speak with a lawyer.
Do Not Discuss the Case
Don’t discuss the arrest with anyone or put something on social media about it.
Save All Documents
Keep records you receive from the police or court.
By doing these things, you can protect your rights and enable your lawyer to build your case.
Why Are Assault Cases Difficult?
Assault cases are difficult because:
- They are based mostly on testimony of witnesses.
- There are strong feelings, and thus there is the potential for exaggeration.
- Film or pictures of injuries only say so much.
- Self-defense can be difficult to establish in the absence of demonstrable facts.
All the facts will be worked out by your lawyer.
Ready to Protect Your Rights? Call Today
You don’t need to go it alone. If you have been charged with assault in Missouri, we’re here for you. Our Kansas City assault lawyers will defend you and fight for your future.
FAQs About Assault Charges in Missouri
1. Am I going to be charged with assault, but the victim doesn’t want to pursue the case anymore?
It is within the prosecutor’s discretion to dismiss the case, not the victim. Even if the victim gets cold feet, the state can proceed.
2. Am I getting jailed on a misdemeanor assault charge?
Yes. A misdemeanor can also be sentenced to jail, fines, or probation. It simply depends on the scope and circumstances of the case.
3. How long does an assault charge stay on my record?
A conviction will stay with you for your lifetime. In some cases, expungement is possible, but in most assault convictions, it is not.
4. Will it still be assault if there was no touching?
Yes. To threaten to hurt someone or to do an act which is meant to place a person in fear is assault.
5. What if I was defending myself or another?
Self-defense is a defense. You can defend yourself or another individual if you believe there is impending harm.
Call Our Kansas City Assault Lawyers Today
Set up an appointment by calling. We will listen to your story, answer questions, and start preparing your defense.
