Criminal attorney in Shelby County, MO. No matter why you’re in this situation, you have rights that are guaranteed by the law of this country. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to aggressively and relentlessly protecting your rights to secure the best possible results for all of our Shelby County, MO clients. We work on criminal cases ranging from minor traffic offenses to Class A felonies. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or you just made a mistake, we will fight persistently for you and passionately defend your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Shelby County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Anytime you’re dealing with the prospect of a criminal charge, the worst-case scenario is losing your freedom and being incarcerated. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to retain your freedom in Shelby County, MO is with the aid of a knowledgeable and passionate criminal attorney. We know that, however you got here, the prospect of the consequences of these charges is weighing heavily on you. Let us fight for you and get your charges lowered or thrown out and pursue every option to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Reach out to a criminal attorney in Shelby County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Shelby County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Shelby County and Missouri.
What a Criminal Attorney in Shelby County, MO Can Do For You
There are reasons everyone has a right to effective legal representation, and there are various ways a criminal attorney can help your case:
Delay or Stop Charges From Being Filed
After you’ve been detained, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Shelby County, MO, show them evidence that demonstrates it is highly unlikely you committed the crime, and stop the charges from being filed or charge you with a less serious crime.
Enforce Your Rights
When Shelby County, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, they’ll go to great lengths to acquire the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, testimony obtained in deceitful interrogations is still valid. A criminal attorney will let you know what to say and what not to say and make sure that law enforcement does not violate:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with a warrant
- Your Fifth Amendment right to due process
- Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation
Investigate Your Case
A criminal attorney in Shelby County, MO will carry out a thorough investigation, often more detailed than that of police, so that we can discover physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to you. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was obtained, and if there were any procedural errors or if the state’s case does not add up.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Different cases are best defended in different ways, depending on the severity of the alleged crimes and the evidence the state is in possession of. In some cases, it may be best to work with the court to obtain a reduction in charges. We may be able to ask the judge for a lighter sentence because of mitigating circumstances. Other times we may be able to prove you did not committed the crime or, if we proceed to trial, convince a jury that the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt has not been met. Did you have a reliable alibi? Is the evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll explore every option to persuade a jury they cannot ethically find you guilty you based on the evidence.
Provide You With Reliable Legal Counsel
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be straightforward with you about the odds of success for different defense strategies. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes the realistic most favorable option can be accepting some of the charges. No matter what, we will recommend what we think is best for you and let you make the final decision.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Shelby County, MO Takes
Your Shelby County, MO criminal attorney has experience defending our clients’ rights in many different cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like homicide. Some of the charges we see most often are:
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- DWI/DUI
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Traffic Tickets
Whatever alleged crime occurred in Shelby County, MO, Combs Waterkotte is not here to pass judgment or rebuke you for poor decisions. We understand that our emotions can get the best of us, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For sympathetic, committed and skilled legal representation, get in touch with a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Shelby County, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
It can be tempting to use a public defender at no cost, but the truth is you’ll have a better chance of success by enlisting the services of a private Shelby County, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders our overworked. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System stated that Shelby County, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to come up with an adequate defense. While there are excellent public defenders, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may prevent them from devoting the best defense possible.
Another study found that prosecutors offer better deals when a private defense attorney is involved in order to avoid a lengthy trial. It also reported that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys generally taking on more serious cases.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Shelby County, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in Shelby County, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-risk consultation with no disapproval, regardless of how serious the allegations are. We sincerely care about all of our clients and about getting them the best result. You’ll have the cell phone number of the criminal attorney working on your case. Whether you did nothing wrong or the evidence is stacked against you, we’ll give you the devoted, tenacious and empathetic legal representation you are entitled to. Call criminal attorney in Shelby County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.
