St. Louis Assault Lawyers

Facing Assault Charges? Call The Hammer Law Firm, LLC

If you have been accused of assaulting another person, it is vital that you enlist the help of a St. Louis assault attorney from The Hammer Law Firm, LLC. We have a number of legal strategies that can help protect you from assault charges. 

When you come to us with your situation, we will make sure to carefully listen to the circumstances surrounding your case so we can find the best strategies for your case. Our goal is to make sure that you feel reassured after speaking with a member of our legal team.

Contact our assault lawyers in St. Louis, MO for a free consultation. You can reach us at (314) 334-3807 or send us a message online to get started on your defense.

Understanding Missouri Assault Charges

First-Degree Assault

Assault in the first degree is the most serious form of assault in Missouri. You can be charged with first-degree assault if you are accused of attempting to kill someone or cause serious physical injury. 

This charge involves intent to cause harm, which means prosecutors must prove that you acted deliberately or knowingly to cause serious injury to another person.

First-degree assault is a Class B felony, but if the victim suffers a serious injury or the assault involves a “special victim,” it can be upgraded to a Class A felony. A Class B felony carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 15 years, while a Class A felony can result in 10 to 30 years or life in prison.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault is a step down from first-degree assault but is still a serious charge. You may face second-degree assault charges if you recklessly cause serious physical injury to another person, use a deadly weapon to cause injury, or drive under the influence and cause injury to someone else.

Second-degree assault is typically charged as a Class D felony, which is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines. However, if the case involves serious injuries or a “special victim,” the charges could be elevated to a Class B felony, resulting in more severe penalties.

Third-Degree Assault

Third-degree assault is less severe but can still result in significant consequences. It involves situations where you knowingly cause physical pain or injury to someone without serious or life-threatening harm.

Third-degree assault is usually considered a Class E felony and can lead to up to 4 years in prison. In cases involving “special victims,” the charges can be elevated to a Class D felony.

Fourth-Degree Assault

In Missouri, fourth-degree assault is the least severe form of assault, but it still carries significant legal consequences. Fourth-degree assault typically involves actions that cause offensive physical contact, the threat of harm, or actions that create fear of imminent injury. 

Unlike the higher degrees of assault, fourth-degree assault charges usually do not involve serious physical injury or the intent to kill or cause severe harm.

Fourth-degree assault is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,000. In some cases, it can be charged as a Class C misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to 15 days in jail and fines of up to $750.

Defending Against Assault Charges

If you're facing any type of assault charge in Missouri, a strong legal defense is crucial. Common defenses include:

• Self-defense: If you acted to protect yourself or someone else from harm, this could be a valid defense.
• Lack of intent: For higher degrees of assault, the prosecution must prove intent. If you did not intend to cause serious harm, the charges could be reduced or dismissed.
• False accusations: In some cases, individuals are wrongfully accused of assault, and it may be necessary to prove that the allegations are unfounded.

Assault charges, even at the misdemeanor level, can result in serious consequences. As your St. Louis assault defense lawyers, we will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. This may include negotiating for reduced charges, seeking alternatives to incarceration, or fighting for your acquittal in court.

If you are facing assault charges in Missouri, reach out to our team at The Hammer Law Firm for a free consultation so we can start building your defense. Call (314) 334-3807.