Criminal attorney in Excelsior Springs, MO. Being charged with a crime in Excelsior Springs, MO is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Combs Waterkotte, our compassionate yet aggressive criminal attorneys understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to stand with you. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor charge or a serious felony, we’ve helped countless clients take back control of their future — and we can help you too.
Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, made a mistake, or are completely innocent, we’ll fight to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved in your favor. Call a trusted Excelsior Springs, MO criminal attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, fully confidential case review.
Article Summary
This in-depth page from Combs Waterkotte offers a powerful, client-centered look at navigating criminal charges in Excelsior Springs, MO, and highlights the critical role of choosing a capable legal team. From the outset, it emphasizes the life-changing consequences of a criminal accusation and the urgent need for knowledgeable, strategic defense. The article draws a clear contrast between private legal representation and the limitations of an overwhelmed public defender system, supported by recent state and national studies.
Read on to gain a clear understanding of how Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys defend against a wide range of criminal charges, including violent crimes, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, and juvenile cases. This piece breaks down the legal defense process step-by-step, from stopping charges early to investigating evidence, asserting constitutional rights, crafting defense strategies, and negotiating with prosecutors or going to trial.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Why Hiring a Criminal Attorney in Excelsior Springs, MO is Crucial
Anytime you’re facing criminal charges, your worst fear is becoming just another statistic in the justice system. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, but that doesn’t mean jail or prison is inevitable. With the right Excelsior Springs, MO criminal attorney in your corner, you can fight back.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring relentless focus, deep experience and expertise , and powerful resources to every single case. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Excelsior Springs, MO, our team is ready to fight back with the expertise and trial skill that earns results, not just promises.
Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 60 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Your Advocate, Strategist, and Shield: What a Excelsior Springs, MO Criminal Attorney Does for You
You’re not just fighting charges, you’re up against an entire system built to convict. That’s why the Constitution guarantees your right to an attorney. The Excelsior Springs, MO criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are here to level the playing field and give you the fighting chance you deserve:
Stop Charges Before They’re Filed in Excelsior Springs, MO
Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean charges are inevitable. When you involve us early, we can act fast — speaking with prosecutors, presenting exculpatory evidence, and challenging the case before it even reaches court. Many Excelsior Springs, MO clients never see formal charges thanks to early intervention.
Protect Your Rights from Day One
Police and prosecutors are trained to build cases, not protect your rights. In fact, under a landmark Supreme Court decision, officers can legally lie during interrogations. That’s why we fight to enforce:
- Search & seizure protections under the Fourth Amendment
- Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
- Your right to legal counsel under the Sixth Amendment|Sixth Amendment right to have a lawyer present|Your Sixth Amendment right to counsel}
Launch a Thorough Independent Investigation in Excelsior Springs, MO
We don’t rely on the prosecution’s account. Our Excelsior Springs, MO criminal defense team initiates a rigorous investigation of our own—locating new witnesses, gathering physical evidence, and uncovering procedural errors or constitutional violations that could undermine the state’s case.
Build a Defense That Works for You
{There’s no one-size-fits-all defense. We craft a legal approach that reflects the facts of your case, your goals, and your best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a reduced charge, fighting for acquittal, or making a strong case at trial. No two criminal cases are alike. Whether we fight for your exoneration, negotiate a favorable plea, or argue for leniency based on mitigating factors, our goal is the same: to get you the best possible outcome. If trial becomes necessary, we come prepared with compelling arguments and rock-solid strategy. (See below for common defense strategies our Excelsior Springs, MO criminal attorney may use for your case.)
Offer Honest, Empowering Legal Guidance in Excelsior Springs, MO
We’re straight with you about where your case stands and what your options are. If a plea deal makes sense, we’ll explain why. If trial is the right move, we’ll be ready. At every point, you’ll have a clear, honest picture of what’s ahead, and an attorney ready to fight for you.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
In addition to our leading Excelsior Springs, MO criminal attorney services, see below for other specialities in Excelsior Springs, MO:
Cases a Combs Waterkotte Criminal Attorney in Excelsior Springs, MO Handles
With over 10,000 cases just like yours under our belt, the criminal attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have the experience and tenacity to defend nearly every kind of charge in Excelsior Springs, MO. From misdemeanors and felonies to high-level federal crimes, we deliver powerful legal defense where and when you need it most:
- DWI/DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Murder/Homicide
- Juvenile Crimes
We don’t just take cases. We take on people’s lives, their reputations, and their futures. That’s why we handle every matter with urgency, empathy, and precision. You have a voice, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard.
What to Do Right Away If You’re Charged With a Crime in Excelsior Springs, MO
If you’ve been accused or arrested in Excelsior Springs, MO, how you respond in the first hours or days can determine the outcome of your case. Protect your future by following these critical steps:
- Step 1 — Stay Grounded and Avoid Panic:
Being charged is overwhelming, but acting impulsively can do more harm than good. Stay calm, don’t argue with authorities, and avoid trying to “explain” anything. - Step 2 — Use Your Right to Stay Silent:
Law enforcement is trained to get confessions. Simply state, “I want an attorney,” and say nothing else. This one step can safeguard your entire defense. - Step 3 — Call a Excelsior Springs, MO Criminal Attorney Who’s Ready to Fight:
You need an experienced advocate in your corner—immediately. Contact Combs Waterkotte’s criminal defense team in Excelsior Springs, MO at (314) 900-HELP or connect online to begin building your case. - Step 4 — Don’t Share Case Details With Others:
Whether it’s friends, family in Excelsior Springs, MO or elsewhere, or social media, don’t discuss your charges. Even casual conversations or posts can be used as evidence by prosecutors. - Step 5 — Know the Charges You’re Facing in Excelsior Springs, MO:
Understanding what you’re being charged with is critical. We’ll walk you through the legal definitions, penalties, and how they apply to your specific situation. - Step 6 — Help Us Build a Defense That Works for You:
We believe in your story. Our team works with you to build a strategy that reflects your truth and objectives. Whether that’s dismissal, a favorable plea, or taking your case to trial, we’re with you every step of the way.
Defense Tactics That Get Results in Excelsior Springs, MO Criminal Cases
Being accused of a crime does not equal guilt. In every case, the prosecution must prove their claims beyond a reasonable doubt, and that’s a high bar. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve helped thousands of clients in Excelsior Springs and throughout Missouri avoid conviction through powerful, time-tested defense strategies built around the facts. Below are some of the most effective tactics our Excelsior Springs, MO criminal lawyers use to protect your freedom:
- Alibi— We present evidence proving you were somewhere else when the alleged offense occurred, such as GPS records, surveillance footage, or credible witnesses, to establish it was physically impossible for you to have committed the crime.
- Battered Spouse Syndrome— Often used in Excelsior Springs, MO domestic violence cases, this defense shows you acted out of survival instinct after enduring prolonged abuse, helping jurors understand the psychological impact behind your actions.
- Consent— In cases involving assault or sexual misconduct, we show that the alleged victim voluntarily agreed to the conduct in question. Demonstrating mutual participation can dismantle the foundation of the prosecution’s case.
- Self-Defense— You have the legal right to protect yourself when facing imminent harm. If reasonable force was used to stop a threat, we’ll present the facts and context that justify your actions.
- Defense of Others— Acting to protect someone else is a valid legal defense. We provide proof that your intervention was reasonable and driven by an immediate need to prevent harm to another person.
- Stand Your Ground— Missouri law allows individuals to use force without retreating if they are lawfully present and reasonably perceive a threat. We’ve successfully invoked this defense in cases outside the home as well.
- Castle Doctrine— You are legally protected when defending your home from intruders. We highlight any unlawful entry and establish that your defensive actions were both proportionate and covered by Missouri’s home-defense laws.
- Duress— If you acted under the threat of serious injury or death, we’ll demonstrate that you had no realistic alternative. You didn’t choose the crime — you were forced into it, and that distinction matters.
- Lack of Criminal Intent— Without intent, there is no crime. Whether the act was a mistake, accident, or misunderstanding, we can raise serious doubt about whether you had the mindset to commit a criminal offense.
- Entrapment—
When law enforcement crosses the line and pressures or tricks you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, it’s not justice, it’s entrapment. We’ll expose the setup. - Necessity— Sometimes, breaking the law is the only way to prevent an even greater harm. We use this defense in emergency scenarios, arguing that your actions were both urgent and unavoidable.
- Violation of Miranda Rights— If your rights weren’t read during arrest or questioning, that’s a major violation—and we’ll fight to suppress any illegally obtained statements or confessions.
- Insanity or Mental Incapacity— Mental health can play a critical role in criminal defense. When appropriate, we use expert evaluations to show that you lacked the capacity to form intent or understand your actions at the time of the incident.
Should You Choose a Public Defender or a Private Excelsior Springs, MO Criminal Attorney?
The law guarantees you access to a public defender—but when your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, that may not be enough. Public defenders in Excelsior Springs, MO often handle overwhelming caseloads, limiting the time they can dedicate to your case. According to a Missouri study, the state’s public defense system is severely under-resourced, leaving little room for in-depth casework or personalized strategy.
Choosing a private attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte means choosing experience, resources, and individualized attention. We take time to listen to your story, build a strategic defense, and pursue every possible advantage. With our client-centered approach, you’ll always know where your case stands—and you’ll never be alone in the fight for your future.
Your Excelsior Springs, MO Defense Starts with a Call to Combs Waterkotte
The sooner you get a skilled Excelsior Springs, MO criminal attorney involved, the stronger your defense will be. At Combs Waterkotte, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to fight. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-pressure, no-obligation consultation. You’ll speak directly with an experienced criminal attorney in Excelsior Springs, MO and gain immediate clarity on your rights and your legal options. Whether you’re facing your first charge or defending your future against serious allegations, we’re ready to stand between you and the government. Let us fight for you in Excelsior Springs, MO.
