Criminal Defense Strategies

At Combs Waterkotte, we understand that every criminal case is unique, and every defendant needs and deserves a personalized defense. Our team represents clients across Missouri and Illinois in a wide range of criminal defense cases and uses defense strategies aimed at pursuing the best possible result in each case. Whether you are facing felony charges or a misdemeanor, we explore every legal option available to protect your rights.

Below, you will find an overview of some of the most common criminal defense strategies we use in Missouri and Illinois cases. Self-defense, lack of intent, and other strategies help us challenge the prosecution’s case and work toward a better outcome.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Missouri and Illinois

We handle a wide range of criminal matters for clients across Missouri and Illinois. These matters can involve different legal issues, procedures, and defense concerns depending on where the case is filed.

If you’re facing criminal charges, contact our attorneys online or call (314) 900-HELP to discuss the best defense strategy for your case.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies

Some of the defenses we commonly use for our clients in Missouri and Illinois include:

• Alibi: Proves the defendant was elsewhere when the crime occurred, making it impossible for them to be responsible.
• Battered Spouse Syndrome: Applies when the defendant, having suffered prolonged abuse, acted out of a reasonable belief of danger.
• Castle Doctrine: Allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect their home from an intruder under certain circumstances.
• Claim of Right: Asserts that the defendant believed they had a legal right to possess or use the property in question.
• Coercion: Argues the defendant was forced or threatened into committing the crime with no reasonable alternative.
• Consent: Used when the alleged victim agreed to the defendant’s actions, removing the criminal aspect of the conduct.
• Defense of Others: Involves acting to protect someone else from harm by using reasonable force.
• Duress: Claims the defendant acted under an immediate threat of harm, leaving no other viable option.
• Entrapment: Occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed.
• Fourth Amendment: Focuses on unlawful search and seizure, challenging evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights.
• Fifth Amendment: Protects the defendant from self-incrimination and can be used to challenge improperly obtained confessions.
• Lack of Intent: Highlights the absence of the mental state required to commit the crime, such as in cases involving accidental conduct.
• Miranda Rights: Challenges the admissibility of evidence or statements when the defendant was not informed of their rights during arrest.
• Necessity: Justifies the defendant’s actions as necessary to prevent a greater harm in an emergency situation.
• Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Used when mental illness prevents the defendant from understanding the nature or wrongfulness of their actions.
• Self-Defense: Justifies the use of reasonable force to protect oneself from imminent harm.
• Stand Your Ground: In Missouri, this defense extends the right to use force without retreating beyond the home in places where a person is lawfully present.