Kansas City Assault Lawyer Explains Missouri Assault Laws and Penalties

Facing assault charges in Kansas City? As a result of these offenses, all consequences should be acknowledged. Assault is considered to be a serious crime in Missouri. If you are convicted of assault, you will be facing potential jail time, fines and a conviction on your criminal history. You may face adverse employment, housing and other consequences to your future. This page explains the basics of assault laws in Missouri. It also shows how a Kansas City assault lawyer can help.

What Is Assault in Missouri?

Missouri law defines assault as causing or attempting to cause harm. There are four degrees of assault. Each degree has different penalties. Let’s break it down.

Assault in the First Degree

This is the most serious type. It means someone tried to kill or cause serious injury on purpose.

Examples:

• Shooting someone during a fight

• Shanking someone in the chest.
• Hitting a person with an automobile.

Punishment:

• Class A Felony: 10 years to life.
• Class B Felony: 5 to 15 (as long as serious bodily injury does not occur).

Assault in the Second Degree

This is still serious but slightly less severe. It usually means causing injury with a weapon or while driving drunk.

Examples:

• Hitting someone with a bat
• Causing a car crash while intoxicated
• Committing an act of violence or physically attacking someone in a fight without intent to kill that person.

Penalties:

• CLASS D felony, up to 7 years in prison.
• Possible fine up to $10,000.

Assault in the Third Degree.

Somebody has caused physical pain to, or caused someone to become ill, knowingly.

Examples:

• Punching someone in the face
• Slapping someone in an argument
• Pushing someone to the ground

Penalties:

• Class E felony (when certain factors apply): Up to 4 years in prison
• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000

Assault in the Fourth Degree

This is the least serious level. It includes threats, attempts to harm, or minor contact without consent.

Examples:

• Yelling and getting in someone’s face
• Threatening to hurt someone
• Lightly shoving someone at a bar

Penalties:

• Class A or C misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail or fines up to $1,000

What Makes Assault Charges Worse?

Some things can increase the penalty. These are called aggravating factors. They include:

• Using a deadly weapon
• Assaulting a police officer, teacher, or elderly person
• Hurting someone while breaking the law
• Committing assault in front of a child

If any of these apply, the charge can jump to a higher level.

What Can a Kansas City Lawyer Do?

An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City knows the law inside and out. They protect your rights and look for weak points in the case.

Here’s what they do:

• Review police reports
• Interview witnesses
• Challenge false claims
• Work to lower or dismiss charges
• Push for lighter sentencing

You don’t want to face charges alone. A good lawyer can change your outcome.

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped?

Yes, but not always. Here are some ways that might happen:

• The victim takes back their statement
• Evidence is weak or missing
• Your lawyer finds a mistake in the police work
• You acted in self-defense
• It was an accident

Even if charges don’t get dropped, they can sometimes be reduced.

What Is Self-Defense in Missouri?

Missouri allows self-defense when you’re facing a real threat. You must believe you’re in danger of harm or death. You can also defend others if they face harm. But there’s a limit. You can’t use more force than needed. Deadly force is only okay if your life is at risk.

What If the Alleged Victim Lied?

False accusations happen. People lie out of anger, jealousy, or revenge.

Your lawyer can:

• Gather texts, videos, or social posts
• Find witness statements that don’t match
• Use expert testimony
• Show your clean record and good character

Don’t assume that truth always wins on its own. It needs to be proven.

Assault Charges and Background Checks

A conviction can follow you forever. It shows up in:

• Job applications
• Apartment screening
• Loans and insurance reviews
• School admissions

That’s why it’s smart to fight early. Once you’re convicted, it’s hard to fix.

Can you go to jail for a first time assault offense?

Yes. Yes, you can get jail time even for a first time offender. It all depends on the charge. Judges always look at the complete story. The lawyer may argue for probation, anger classes, or community service.

Assault Charges and Gun Rights

If you’re convicted of a felony assault, you lose your right to own guns. That’s permanent unless a court restores your rights. This is another reason to fight the charges.

What If You Were Drunk or on Drugs?

Being drunk doesn’t excuse assault. But it can change the legal picture. In some cases, intoxication can lower the degree of the charge. Your lawyer can explain how this might affect your case.

What Should You Do Right After an Arrest?

Stay calm. Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer. Even simple answers can be used against you. Call a Kansas City assault lawyer fast. The sooner they start, the better they can help.

FAQs About Missouri Assault Charges

Q1: Can I go to jail for slapping someone?
Yes. Even a slap can lead to charges. It could be assault in the third or fourth degree.

Q2: What if the person I hit hit me first?
That may count as self-defense. A lawyer can help prove it and get your charges dropped.

Q3: Will assault charges show up on background checks?
Yes. Charges and convictions both show up unless they’re sealed or expunged.

Q4: How long does an assault case take in Missouri?
It depends. Some cases wrap up in weeks. Others may take months or longer.

Q5: What should I say to the police if I’m arrested?
Nothing without a lawyer. Say you want a lawyer, then stay quiet.

Don’t Wait—Get Help Now

If you face assault charges in Kansas City, time is not on your side. Every day counts. A conviction can change your life. You have rights. A lawyer will protect them and guide you through the court process. Call a skilled local Kansas City assault lawyer today. Get a free case review and learn your options. Don’t fight alone.