Violent crime lawyer in Howard County, MO. Facing violent crime charges in Howard County, MO is a serious, life-changing event. A conviction can result in years behind bars, huge fines, and a criminal record that follows you forever. You need an experienced violent crime lawyer in Howard County, MO who will fight tirelessly to defend your rights and build a powerful legal defense.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We have over 40 years of experience and a track record of successfully handling more than 10,000 cases just like yours in Howard County, MO and beyond.
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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 …
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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 …
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a Howard County, MO Violent Crime
When you’re charged with a violent crime in Howard County, MO, it is important to remember you have rights. Also, the Combs Waterkotte violent crime attorneys have extensive experience in defending these charges. Don’t add to the already daunting charges by doing something to harm your case. After all, the problems created by your Howard County, MO arrest won’t be resolved until a successful outcome is reached. Here’s what to do:
- Stay Silent: Do not answer police questions without a violent crime lawyer present. You are protected by the right to remain silent. Speaking without legal guidance can seriously damage your case. Instead, consult with a trusted violent crime lawyer in Howard County, MO immediately.
- Seek Legal Representation Immediately: The faster you hire an experienced violent crime lawyer in Howard County, MO, the stronger your defense will be. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in your case.
- Avoid Talking to Anyone: Discussing your case with family, friends, or on social media can hurt your defense.
- 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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Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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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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What is Considered a Violent Crime in Howard County, MO?
Violent crimes include any criminal act involving force, injury, or threats of harm. These offenses are often classified as felonies, meaning prosecutors in the Howard County, MO area aggressively seek maximum penalties—especially in cases involving serious injury or loss of life. A conviction can derail your future, impacting everything from employment to personal relationships.
With so much at stake, you need a dedicated Howard 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.
Why You Need a Top Howard County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
Facing violent crime charges in Howard County, MO means prosecutors will push for the harshest penalties possible. That’s why you need a skilled criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight back. At Combs Waterkotte, we bring decades of experience defending Howard County, MO clients against violent crime allegations, such as:
- Assault & Battery
From simple assault to aggravated assault, we fight to protect your rights and minimize penalties. - Domestic Violence
False accusations can turn your life upside down. We work to challenge inconsistencies and defend your reputation in Howard County, MO. - Homicide / Murder Charges
We build strong defenses against first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter charges. Experience matters; you should not go at it alone when faced with types of charges. - Weapons Charges
When firearms or other weapons are involved, penalties escalate quickly. We fight to defend against charges of unlawful possession, use, and related offenses in Howard County, MO. - 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 Howard County, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the Howard County, MO area. - Kidnapping
Complex cases need skilled criminal defense attorneys who understand how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every level.
If you hire Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime attorney in the Howard County, MO area, you’re not just selecting a top-rated violent crime lawyer in and around Howard County, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable violent crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Howard County and beyond:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Possible Defenses for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in Howard County, MO
Our experienced Howard County, MO violent crime legal team uses proven legal strategies such as:
- Self-Defense — You have the right to protect yourself. This defense justifies the use of reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm. We work to prove you acted lawfully.
- No Intent to Harm — 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.
- Weak or Unlawful Evidence — If the evidence against you is weak or improperly obtained, we fight to get charges dismissed or reduced.
- Misidentification — False identifications happen. We use alibi evidence, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to prove you weren’t involved.
- False Allegations — Some charges in Howard 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.
Why Choose a Combs Waterkotte Howard County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer?
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 Howard County, MO because:
- Client-Centered Approach: We keep you informed, provide 24/7 access, and ensure you’re never left in the dark about your Howard County, MO case.
- Extensive Criminal Law Expertise: With decades of success in courts throughout the Howard County, MO area, we know how to navigate even the toughest cases.
- Access to Top Resources: We work with private investigators, forensic experts, and top legal professionals to strengthen your defense in Howard County, MO.
- Trial Ready: We’re not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for the best possible outcome in Howard County, MO.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
The Harsh Reality of a Violent Crime Conviction in Howard County, MO
A violent crime conviction in Howard 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.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction can have lasting repercussions in Howard County, MO, including:
- A permanent felony record
- To face losing your professional license and your career
- Difficulty gaining employment or finding a place to live
- Risk of deportation, visa denial, or citizenship revocation
Take Action Now — Consult a Violent Crime Lawyer in Howard County, MO Right Away
A violent crime charge in Howard 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.
Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review in Howard County, MO.
