Among the most common misconceptions about assault charges is that a physical attack of some form is required. However, assault is defined as “any intentional act that causes another person to fear for their physical harm.” By definition, even threats may carry the consequences of an assault charge under Missouri law. There are some states that define battery as carrying through with those threats by an actual physical assault. However, Missouri law does not make that distinction.
Under Missouri law, there are four types of assault charges.
- Missouri RS 565.050 Assault in the First Degree: Defined as attempting to kill or knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical injury to another person. A Class B felony, it is punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison.
- Missouri RS 565.052 Assault in the Second Degree: Is attempting to kill or cause serious harm to someone out of sudden passion arising out of adequate cause and involving a deadly weapon, or recklessly causing injury to another person after discharging a firearm. This is a Class D felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
- Missouri RS 565.064 Assault in the Third Degree: Knowingly causing physical injury to another person. This is a Class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
- Missouri RS 565.056 Assault in the Fourth Degree: Recklessly causing or attempting to cause injury, pain or illness to another person; accidently causing physical injury to another person with a firearm involving criminal negligence; knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical contact with a disabled person in an offensive or provocative manner; or knowingly causing physical contact with another person with awareness the other person will see it as provocative. These scenarios can be either Class A or Class C misdemeanors, punishable by up to 1 years in jail or 15 days in jail, respectively.
Enhanced charges may result if special victims are involved, which are defined under the law as first responder, probation or parole officers, disabled individuals, the elderly or those otherwise defined as vulnerable, corrections officers, highway and utility workers, and mass transit employees.
Domestic assaults are a separate category of offense that carry their own penalties and consequences. In addition to jail time and fines, a defendant can be subject to restraining orders, an inability to continue living at home, restrictions on your ability to spend time with your children, and negative consequences in divorce or child custody proceedings.
Domestic assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, with a substantial variance in penalties. Misdemeanor assault can include threats or engaging in reckless activities that create the risk of harm. Such charges may also include “restraining” a victim, which can be as simple as limiting access to transportation or the telephone. Felony domestic assault involves allegations of recklessly causing physical injury (notice such injury does not have to be intentional), use of a weapon, or physical force such as choking.
Protective orders or restraining orders are typically granted in the wake of allegations and last 15 days. A defendant may be prevented from returning home or approaching an alleged victim during that time. A full protective order may be granted by the court for up to one year and extended whenever the court approves a petition to do so.
Assault Defense in St. Charles
There are many steps an experienced assault and battery attorney can take to eliminate or reduce the charges you are facing. Early consultation is key. As you can see from the scenarios above, actual physical attack is not necessary. In some cases, injury may even be accidental or the result of “adequate cause” and still result in very serious potential criminal penalties.
Every case is unique. Each fact or circumstance of a charge must be proved by the state beyond a reasonable doubt. Each enhancement must also be proven. Exercising your right to remain silent and seeking the help of an experienced St. Louis defense lawyer as early as possible offer the best chance to successfully beat these charges or to seek a reduction that will minimize the consequences. These charges always require a proactive defense, but that is particularly true in cases involving self-defense or allegations of domestic violence. Protection orders may be issued indefinitely if not properly and timely challenged, and can have a significant negative effect on a defendant’s life, employment, reputation, relationship with children, and outcome of family law cases.
