Fourth Degree Assault Defense Lawyer serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and ALL of Missouri.

Combs Waterkotte is the leading Fourth Degree Assault Defense Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Fourth Degree Assault Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Fourth Degree Assault Lawyer Missouri. If you’ve been accused of fourth-degree assault in Missouri, you could face a Class A misdemeanor charge for alleged threats, offensive touching, or reckless conduct. At Combs Waterkotte, our St. Louis criminal defense lawyers fight these cases head-on to protect your record, your reputation, and your freedom.

What Is Fourth Degree Assault in Missouri?

Fourth-degree assault in Missouri is defined under §565.056 RSMo as any of six different actions that involve minor harm, threats, or offensive contact. It’s the lowest level assault charge in Missouri — but it’s still a crime with real consequences.

Here’s what counts as fourth-degree assault:

• Recklessly causing physical injury to another person
• Negligently causing injury with a deadly weapon
• Attempting to cause physical injury
• Threatening someone and making them fear harm
• Offensive physical contact such as pushing or grabbing
• Attempting offensive contact that a reasonable person would find provoking

Example: If you shove someone, threaten them with your fists, or accidentally injure them with a weapon, you could be charged with fourth-degree assault even if they weren’t seriously hurt.

The takeaway: Fourth-degree assault casts a wide net, meaning even minor altercations can turn into criminal charges.

Missouri Fourth Degree Assault: Key Elements and Examples

Fourth-degree assault covers a wide range of conduct, from reckless injury to offensive contact. Here’s a quick breakdown of what prosecutors look for — and what it might mean in your case:

Legal Element Example Recklessly causes physical injury Pushing someone during an argument Negligently causes injury with a deadly weapon Accidentally hitting someone with a tool Places another in fear of immediate harm Raising fists or verbal threats that cause fear Knowingly makes offensive physical contact Slapping, shoving, or grabbing without consent Can Fourth Degree Assault Charges Be Dropped in Missouri?

Yes — fourth-degree assault charges can be dropped in Missouri, but it depends on the facts of the case and how early you act. Prosecutors may dismiss the charge if evidence is weak, if the incident was clearly accidental, or if the alleged victim chooses not to cooperate.

In some cases, your attorney can present mitigating factors, argue that no crime occurred, or negotiate an alternative resolution like a diversion program or amended charge.

Here’s what can lead to a dismissal:

• Witness inconsistencies or lack of cooperation
• No physical injury or visible harm
• Clear self-defense or mutual confrontation
• Strong community ties and clean record

The takeaway: The sooner you get legal help, the more options you have to get charges reduced or dropped entirely.

Missouri Statutes Covering First Degree Assault

The Missouri Revised Statutes include two offenses called first degree assault.

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