Assault charges can turn your life around. You might end up going to jail, paying a fine, and becoming a convicted felon. In order to be charged with assault in Kansas City, you require top-notch legal representation. A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City will defend your rights and fight for your freedom. This website will guide you through what assault charges are, your defense, and how an experienced lawyer can help you.
What Is Assault in Kansas City?
Assault is any behavior that harms or has the tendency to physically harm another person. Missouri does have degrees of assault. The penalty varies with each degree.
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First-Degree Assault
This crime is trying to murder or seriously hurt a human being. It is the most serious. You can do years in prison if you are convicted.
Second-Degree Assault
This crime is wounding another human with a weapon in a dangerous way or recklessly. You can be arrested for a felony and receive harsh punishment.
Third-Degree Assault
This crime is knowingly wounding someone or threatening someone. It is typically a misdemeanor offense.
Fourth-Degree Assault
This is minor injury, threat, or offensive touching. Fines or short imprisonment are potential punishments.
Why You Need a Kansas City Assault Attorney
Assault charges depend largely upon witness and police statements. These are not always accurate or impartial sources. Without an attorney, you can be charged with an unfair or erroneous offense.
A good attorney will:
- Carefully examine the evidence.
- Question witnesses.
- Challenge weak or false claims.
- Negotiate with prosecutors.
- Construct a strong defense.
You don’t have to tackle these charges alone.
Typical Assault Sentences
Sentences depend on the degree of the assault as well as other factors, including:
- Whether or not a weapon was employed
- The extent of the injury caused
- Your criminal record
- Sentences can involve:
- Jail or prison.
Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Probation.
- Forced anger management courses.
- A lifelong criminal record that accompanies you everywhere you go.
These consequences can destroy your career, relationships, and reputation.
Building a Strong Defense
Each assault case is unique. Your lawyer will review all the details in trying to get your defense heard in court. Some of the standard defenses available are:
- Self-Defense: You were in self-defense or the defense of others.
- Defense of Property: You were trying to protect your property from damage.
- Consent: The other individual gave consent to the contact.
- Lack of Intent: You never had the intention of causing harm to anyone.
- False Allegations: The allegations are false.
Your lawyer will present your case and arguments to a judge or negotiate a plea when the situation calls for it.
How it Works
This is what happens when you hire a lawyer for an assault in Kansas City:
Case Review
Your lawyer will sit down with you and discuss what happened. They will examine police reports and evidence.
Investigation
Your lawyer will investigate facts, interview witnesses, and find out any weaknesses in the case being advanced by the prosecution.
Pre-Trial Motions
Your lawyer can file a motion to reduce or drop charges if the evidence is weak.
Negotiation
Most cases are settled in a plea bargain. Your lawyer is usually in the best position to negotiate a better bargain.
Trial
If that is necessary, your lawyer will represent you in court.
Having a lawyer might make it less traumatic and result in a fairer result for you.
Why Choose Our Firm
Our law office has a lot of experience dealing with cases involving assault in Kansas City. We know prosecutors and what they are thinking. We use this to work for clients.
Individuals hire us because:
- Let them know the truth and give them honest, upfront advice.
- Are strong advocates for their rights.
- Answer phone calls and email within a reasonable time.
- Keep them step-by-step updated.
We treat each case seriously and respectfully.
How to Respond if Charged with Assault
If you are arrested or charged with assault by the police, follow these instructions:
- Stay calm. Don’t fight or get violent.
- Don’t say anything to the police without an attorney.
- Call an attorney right away.
- Note down what happened because it is fresh in your mind.
- Get any witness phone numbers or evidence.
The sooner you have an attorney on the case, the stronger the case will be.
Assault and Domestic Violence
Assault becomes a more severe offense when the victim is a spouse or relative. The case is commonly known as domestic assault. You can be sentenced to the following upon conviction:
- Protective orders.
- Loss of children’s custody.
- Restrictions against gun ownership.
- Ruining your reputation.
Such cases need additional caution. A professional lawyer will take you through every process.
Protecting Your Future
A crime can stick with you throughout your entire life. Employers, landlords, and schools perform background checks daily. Having an assault charge on your record can shut doors. That is why immediate action and professional help are necessary.
Talk To a Kansas City Assault Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested for assault, call an experienced Kansas City Assault Lawyer for free consultation. We’ll listen to your side of the story, inform you of what you can expect, and get busy defending you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Assault Charges
1. What happens after my arrest on assault charges?
The police may arrest and hold you until such a time as you are able to appear before a judge. Bail is set by the judge and he reads charges to you the first time you are brought in. Your lawyer may ask you to be released or reduce bail.
2. Will assault charges be dropped?
Yes, charges are dismissed when there is little evidence or the victim doesn’t want to prosecute. But a prosecutor can dismiss a case. Your lawyer can make a motion to dismiss.
3. Will an assault conviction show up on my record?
Most assault convictions will show up on your record. Some misdemeanor convictions after some time may be sealed. It is harder to erase felonies. Your lawyer can tell you about possibilities.
4. Do I need a lawyer if the victim forgives me?
Yes. The state can proceed against you, even if you have been forgiven by the victim. A lawyer defends your rights and gets the best outcome possible.
5. What if I was acting in self-defense?
Self-defense is a defense. You must prove you were threatened and that you used reasonable force. A lawyer will help you develop evidence so you can establish your case.