Violent crime lawyer in Cole County, MO. If you’ve been accused of or questioned about a violent crime in Cole County, MO, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, steep fines, and a criminal record that impacts your entire life. You need a dedicated violent crime lawyer in Cole County, MO who knows how to challenge the prosecution and develop a strong defense strategy.
Don’t face these charges alone in Cole County, MO—call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. With over 40 years of experience and more than 10,000 cases successfully handled in Cole County, MO and across Missouri, we have the expertise to help you fight for your future.
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a Cole County, MO Violent Crime
Being charged with a violent crime in Cole County, MO can be overwhelming, but remember—you have rights. The experienced violent crime legal team at Combs Waterkotte has extensive experience in defending these charges, and we’re here to help. Avoid making mistakes that could impact your case or harm your defense. Until your Cole County, MO case is resolved, every action matters. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Silent: Do not answer police questions without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent, and exercising it won’t make things worse—but saying the wrong thing could. Speak only to your violent crime lawyer in Cole County, MO, and no one else.
- Hire a Combs Waterkotte Violent Crime Lawyer Right Away: The sooner you hire an experienced Cole County, MO violent crime attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense and getting the best possible outcome.
- Do Not Discuss Your Cole County, MO Case: Avoid discussing your charges with anyone—including friends, family, or on social media. Any statements you make could be used against you.
- Collect and Share Evidence: Any evidence that supports your innocence, such as messages, videos, or potential witnesses, should be handed over to your legal team immediately.
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Defining Violent Crimes in Cole County, MO
A violent crime is any offense involving physical harm or the threat of harm against another person. Most violent crimes are classified as felonies, meaning prosecutors in the Cole County, MO area often push for the harshest penalties—especially if someone was injured or killed. A conviction can affect every part of your life, from your career and reputation to your personal relationships.
With so much at stake, you need a dedicated Cole County, MO violent crime lawyer who will fight for rights and freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to start building your defense.
The Importance of Hiring a Leading Cole County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
Prosecutors take violent crime charges seriously in Cole County, MO, and they don’t hesitate in pursuing the harshest penalties. That’s exactly why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. At Combs Waterkotte, we have a proven track record of success defending clients in Cole County, MO against a wide range of violent crime charges, including:
- Assault & Battery
Whether you’re facing charges for simple assault or aggravated assault, we fight to protect your rights and minimize penalties. - Domestic Violence
Misunderstandings and false claims can destroy lives. We uncover the truth and fight for your innocence. - Homicide / Murder Charges
Facing charges for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter? These cases require a meticulous defense strategy. Our experienced attorneys know how to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights. - Weapons Charges
If a firearm or other weapon is involved, penalties can be even more severe. We help fight unlawful possession and usage charges in the Cole County, MO area. - Robbery & Armed Robbery
Dangerous felony charges like robbery or armed robbery, require a strategic defense to challenge evidence and intent—precisely what a Combs Waterkotte Cole County, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the Cole County, MO area. - Kidnapping
These cases demand skilled legal defense in Cole County, MO. We dissect the prosecution’s case, exposing weaknesses that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
When you choose Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime lawyer in Cole County, MO, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated violent crime lawyer in Cole County, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to leading defense from our knowledgeable violent crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Cole County and beyond:
Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Charges in Cole County, MO
Our experienced Cole County, MO violent crime legal team uses proven legal strategies such as:
- Self-Defense — If you acted to prevent harm to yourself or others, we present evidence that your actions were legally justified.
- No Criminal Intent — Without intent, many violent crime charges don’t stand. If you didn’t intend harm, the charges might not hold up in court. This defense highlights the absence of the necessary mental state to commit the crime, like accident actions.
- Lack of Evidence — If the case against you is weak or relies on illegally obtained evidence, we push for dismissal or reduced charges.
- Mistaken Identity — Eyewitness misidentification is common. We present alibis, surveillance footage, expert testimony, and more to prove your innocence.
- Unfounded Allegations — Some charges in Cole County, MO arise from false claims, personal grudges, or exaggerations. We challenge inconsistencies to protect your reputation and future.
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How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Southern Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Best Choice for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in Cole County, MO?
When facing serious charges, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. Combs Waterkotte stands out as the go-to violent crime lawyer in Cole County, MO because:
- Unwavering Client Support: Our clients are our priority. We keep you involved in each step of your case, providing 24/7 support, clear communication, and personalized service in Cole County, MO.
- Decades of Criminal Defense Experience: With 40+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to build winning defense strategies in Cole County, MO.
- Resources: We work with private investigators, forensic experts, and top legal professionals to strengthen your defense in Cole County, MO.
- Trial Ready: A lot of criminal defense law firms are quick to plea bargain and avoid going to trial at all costs. Not Combs Waterkotte. We fight relentlessly to protect your rights, no matter the jurisdiction or judge, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Cole County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cole County and Missouri.
The Harsh Reality of a Violent Crime Conviction in Cole County, MO
A violent crime conviction in Cole County, MO can change your life forever. Penalties vary based on the severity of the charge, the details of the offense, and your criminal history. For instance, a first-degree murder conviction results in life without parole of the death penalty, while third-degree assault could lead up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Even an unlawful weapons charge as a class D felony carries a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.
A conviction can also lead to significant long-term consequences in Cole County, MO, including:
- A permanent felony record
- To face losing your career and any professional license(s)
- Difficulty gaining employment or finding a place to live
- Risk of deportation, visa denial, or citizenship revocation
Your Future is on the Line — Get Help Today From a Combs Waterkotte Cole County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
A violent crime charge in Cole County, MO can put your future at risk. You need a skilled and determined violent crime lawyer who will access your case, build a strategic defense, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Take the first step toward your defense—call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation in Cole County, MO.
