Assault

If you are dealing with a pending assault charge, you may be confused about many things: Will I go to jail? How much will I have to pay in fines? Will this be on my permanent record? What’s the difference between assault and battery anyway, aren’t they the same thing??

First, in the criminal sense, there are some subtle differences with regard to the type of assault charge that vary depending on the specific facts. You can be charged with assault even if you attempted to, but did not, actually strike someone. You can be charged with assault if you hit someone, ever so slightly, with your car instead of your fist. You can be charged with assault if you touch someone in a way that, while not overly violent or harsh, nevertheless offends the person and causes him/her some type of distress. And the levels of assault under the Missouri statutes range from “simple” misdemeanor assault all the way to Assault in the First Degree, a crime that could lead to life in prison depending on your prior history. Because of the numerous different ways in which assault can be charged, and the many different levels of severity each charge can bring, you cannot afford to fight these charges alone.

Whether you’re facing a charge of Assault in the Third Degree, Second Degree, or First Degree, you need to consult with an experienced attorney whether the charge was brought legitimately, or due to a false report, or due to your own defense from a person who started the altercation. Missouri law offers several defenses to those charged with assault (i.e. self defense, defense of your family, defense of your property), and the Lindley Law Office can examine all aspects of your case to determine the best strategy to put this charge behind you.