Assault Defense Attorney St. Louis, MO

Protecting Your Rights In Criminal Assault Cases

An experienced St. Louis assault defense attorney knows that no matter what caused the altercation that led to your arrest and assault charge, it is important that you treat these charges seriously. Potential jail time and significant fines are on the line. Also, the offense will remain on your record, serving as an obstacle for your future.

You need the best in criminal defense, fighting for your rights and arguing your side of the story in court. At the law firm of Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C., in St. Louis, we have the level of skill and experience you need to protect yourself against these allegations.

Give us a call today to discuss your particular circumstances with an experienced attorney at our law office in a no-cost consultation. We provide representation in Missouri, Illinois and federal courts across the nation.

What Do Authorities Claim You Did?

Even when others may doubt you, our top criminal defense attorneys will protect your rights aggressively. This level of support is critical when you are facing charges of a violent offense.

We represent clients in assault matters, including:

  • Domestic assault
  • Sexual assault and rape
  • Felony and misdemeanor assault
  • Cases where the victim was nonfatally shot
  • Vehicular assault
  • Assault of a law enforcement officer

We will work to present to the court your side of the story and your character, demonstrating that you never intended to cause harm. This often involves scenarios of self-defense and misunderstood personal interaction. Our team of experienced lawyers will argue a defense that thoroughly represents your side of the event and best protects your interests.

Contact us today to arrange a free phone meeting about your unique situation and to determine how we can help. To arrange a meeting, please call us today at 314-207-9215. Or, if you prefer, complete our online form. We accept most major credit cards for your convenience.

Assault Charges in Missouri: Levels and Penalties

Missouri law divides assault into distinct degrees, and the level of charge you face will determine the severity of the potential penalties. Understanding where your charge falls is the first step toward building a real defense strategy.

  • Assault in the First Degree (Class A or B Felony). This is the most serious assault charge in Missouri. It involves attempting to cause serious physical injury to another person, or causing such injury knowingly. A Class A felony carries a potential sentence of 10 to 30 years, or life in prison. A Class B felony carries 5 to 15 years in prison.
  • Assault in the Second Degree (Class B or D Felony). Second-degree assault typically involves recklessly causing serious physical injury, attempting to cause physical injury with a dangerous instrument, or causing physical injury while committing another crime. A Class D felony carries up to 7 years in prison. This charge can upgraded to Class B if the victim is a “special victim,” a group that includes on-duty first responders, seniors, and disabled people.
  • Assault in the Third Degree (Class E Felony). Third-degree assault involves knowingly causing physical injury to another person. A Class E felony carries up to 4 years in prison.
  • Assault in the Fourth Degree (Class A or C Misdemeanor). This is the lowest level of assault charge and covers recklessly causing physical injury, negligently causing physical injury with a firearm, or purposely placing someone in apprehension of immediate physical injury. A Class A misdemeanor carries up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. A Class C misdemeanor carries up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $750.

Certain factors can elevate any of these charges. As mentioned above, assaulting a law enforcement officer, a corrections officer, or other “special victim” can result in an upgraded charge and harsher sentencing. Prior convictions can also increase the penalties you face significantly. Whether this is your first arrest or you have prior offenses on your record, the stakes are real and the time to act is now.

Common Defenses to Assault Charges in Missouri

An arrest is not a conviction. There are legitimate, well-established legal defenses to assault charges, and our attorneys know how to identify and build the strongest one for your specific situation. Every case is different, but the following defenses arise frequently in Missouri assault cases.

  • Self-Defense. Missouri law recognizes the right to use force to protect yourself when you reasonably believe it is necessary to defend against an unlawful use of force by another person. If the physical contact occurred because you were protecting yourself, that is a defense our lawyers will pursue aggressively on your behalf.
  • Defense of Others. Similar to self-defense, Missouri law permits the use of force to protect a third party from harm. If you stepped in to protect a family member, friend, or even a stranger from being hurt, this defense may apply to your case.
  • Lack of Intent. Many assault charges require the prosecution to prove that you acted knowingly, purposely, or recklessly. If the incident was a genuine accident and you did not act knowingly, purposely, or recklessly, that is a critical fact our team will work to establish in your defense.
  • Consent. In certain situations, such as sporting events or other contact-based activities, the alleged victim may have consented to the physical contact at issue. This can be a viable defense depending on the specific facts of your case.
  • Mistaken Identity or False Accusation. Witnesses misidentify people. Accusations are sometimes made out of anger, jealousy, or spite. Our lawyers will scrutinize the evidence, challenge witness credibility, and expose inconsistencies in the prosecution’s account of events.
  • Insufficient Evidence. The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence does not meet that standard, we will fight to have the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Tell Us Your Side of the Story

We know the avenues needed to obtain discovery of the evidence, and we will quickly obtain the pieces of evidence needed to firm up your case and your claims.

If you have never been arrested before, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. If you have prior offenses, you may be worried about how your history will affect the outcome. In either situation, the right defense attorney makes all the difference. Do not wait. Contact our law firm, Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C., today at 314-207-9215 for a free consultation and let us start building your defense immediately.