Assault Defense Lawyer in Jefferson City

Strategic Criminal Defense When Your Future Is on the Line
Bookmark this page if you or someone close to you is facing assault charges in Missouri.

Being accused of assault—whether as a misdemeanor or felony—can have serious and lasting consequences. In many cases, these charges stem from emotionally charged situations, self-defense, or misunderstandings that escalated quickly. Unfortunately, once law enforcement is involved, what began as a personal dispute can turn into a permanent legal problem. At Ernst Law LLC, we defend clients in Jefferson City and surrounding counties who are facing assault allegations, ensuring their rights are protected from the start.

Attorney Sarah Ernst brings years of experience to her criminal defense practice, including extensive trial work and appellate representation in every Missouri Court of Appeals district. She knows how prosecutors build assault cases—and more importantly, how to challenge them.

Understanding Assault Charges in Missouri

Missouri law defines assault broadly, ranging from threats of harm to causing serious physical injury. Charges may include:

  • Fourth-degree assault (misdemeanor): Often involves threats, minor injuries, or unwanted physical contact.

  • Third-degree assault (Class E felony): Intentional physical harm to another person.

  • Second-degree assault (Class D felony): Includes injuries caused recklessly, or while using a deadly weapon.

  • First-degree assault (Class B or A felony): Serious physical injury or attempted killing.

The severity of the charge depends on multiple factors:

  • The level of harm caused or intended

  • Whether a weapon was involved

  • The alleged victim’s status (e.g., law enforcement, child, elderly person)

  • Any prior convictions for violent offenses

These distinctions matter. They can affect how your case is charged, whether you're eligible for diversion or probation, and how much prison time you’re facing.

Common Defenses Against Assault Allegations

Every case is unique, but there are proven legal defenses that may apply to your situation. We will explore every angle, including:

  • Self-defense or defense of others

  • Lack of intent or mistaken identity

  • Insufficient or unreliable evidence

  • Constitutional violations (unlawful search, coerced statements, etc.)

Even if the facts appear damaging, assault cases often hinge on conflicting witness accounts, ambiguous evidence, and unclear motives. Our methodical approach helps identify weak points in the prosecution’s case—and use them to your advantage.

What to Do If You’re Accused of Assault

If you’ve been charged—or believe you may be—take these steps immediately:

Stay Silent

What you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you. Even casual explanations can backfire. Politely assert your right to remain silent until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Request a Lawyer

The most important thing you can do is ask to speak with an attorney. We are ready to intervene early to protect your rights, assess the situation, and handle communications with law enforcement on your behalf.

Don’t Discuss the Case

Avoid talking about the incident with friends, family, or online. Anything you say outside your attorney’s office can be misinterpreted and used against you.

Be Honest With Your Attorney

We can only build the strongest possible defense with the full picture. Even if you think a detail is harmful, it may be the key to strengthening your case or negotiating a better outcome.

Serving Jefferson City & Surrounding Counties

Ernst Law LLC defends clients facing assault charges in Cole, Miller, Camden, Moniteau, Morgan, and Osage counties, and accepts criminal appeals across the state of Missouri. Whether you're fighting charges at the trial level or challenging a past conviction, Sarah Ernst has the courtroom experience and legal insight to guide your defense from start to finish.