Freeman, MO felony defense lawyer. When you’re charged with a felony in the Freeman, MO area, your life can change instantly. Your freedom, your job, your relationships, and your long-term future can all be put at risk. Prosecutors move quickly, and even one wrong move early on can make your situation far more difficult.
If you’re facing felony charges in the Freeman, MO area, you need a defense attorney who knows how to tear apart the State’s evidence, assert your rights, and fight aggressively for your future. That’s exactly what a Combs Waterkotte Freeman, MO felony defense lawyer is built to do.
Call (314) 900-HELP right away or send us a message to schedule your free, confidential consultation. With 60+ years of combined experience and successfully handling thousands of felony cases just like yours, the Combs Waterkotte team knows how to defend clients in Freeman and across Missouri when everything is on the line.
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Article Summary
This article explains why hiring an experienced felony defense lawyer in Freeman, MO is crucial when facing serious criminal charges. It highlights the severe consequences of a felony conviction, the types of cases commonly defended in Freeman, MO, and the importance of securing legal representation quickly. The summary also covers core defense strategies we use at Combs Waterkotte, such as challenging illegal searches, attacking inadequate evidence, and negotiating from a position of strength, and emphasizes why choosing an aggressive, knowledgeable felony defense lawyer can make the difference between prison time and protecting your future.
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The Serious Consequences of Felony Charges in Freeman, MO
In Missouri, there’s a major difference between misdemeanors and felonies—and felony charges come with far higher stakes. Prosecutors in Freeman, MO treat these cases as top priority, especially when they involve violence, weapons, drugs, or significant financial harm.
If you’re convicted of a felony in Freeman, MO, you may face:
- Years—or even decades—of prison time
- Substantial fines
- A permanent felony conviction on your record
- Losing your right to own a gun
- Losing your right to vote
- Difficulty finding employment, housing, or loans
- Supervised probation with strict conditions
- Immigration consequences for noncitizens
This is not the moment to “see how things play out.” This is the moment to bring in a proven Freeman, MO felony defense lawyer who knows how to push back, protect your rights, and fight for your future.
Missouri Felony Classes and Their Penalties Explained
Missouri assigns felony charges to one of five classes, from A to E, with Class A being the most severe. Each class has different sentencing ranges, exposure, and long-term consequences. Understanding where your charge falls is the first step toward building a strong defense, and a key reason to work with an experienced felony defense lawyer in Freeman, MO.
Class A Felony in Freeman, MO
A Class A felony comes with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and can rise to 30 years or even life behind bars.
Class A felonies are some the most serious charges under Missouri law, usually involving extreme violence or major threats to public safety. Because penalties are so severe and options so limited, having an aggressive defense strategy from day one is absolutely critical.
Some of the most frequent examples we see in Freeman and across Missouri include:
- First-degree murder (Missouri Revised Statute § 565.020)
- Forcible rape of a child under 12 (RSMo. § 566.030)
- First-degree robbery (RSMo. § 570.023)
- First-degree kidnapping (RSMo. § 565.110)
- High-level drug trafficking offenses (RSMo. § 579.065)
Class B Felony in Freeman, MO
A Class B felony conviction carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Class B felonies in Freeman, MO frequently involve allegations of violence, weapons, or entering someone’s home without permission. These charges may not carry life sentences like Class A felonies, but the State still prosecutes them aggressively, and many defendants end up facing significant time behind bars.
Examples include:
- First-degree burglary (RSMo. § 569.160)
- Voluntary manslaughter (RSMo. § 565.023)
- Certain armed criminal action charges (RSMo. § 571.015)
- Some high-level drug distribution cases (RSMo. § 579.020)
Class C Felony in Freeman, MO
A Class C felony conviction can lead to up to 10 years in prison, and/or fines up to $10,000.
Class C felonies cover a wide spectrum of cases—from mid-level violent offenses to financial crimes and certain sex-related allegations. Because judges have more flexibility at this level, many people qualify for probation or reduced penalties, especially when the defense gets involved early to negotiate effectively.
Examples in Freeman and across Missouri include:
- Involuntary manslaughter (RSMo. § 565.024)
- Theft (stealing over $750) (RSMo. § 570.030)
- Second-degree statutory rape (RSMo. § 566.034)
- Drug possession or distribution (felony-level amounts or prior offenses)
Class D Felony in Freeman, MO
A Class D felony conviction can result in up to 7 years in prison and/or fines reaching $10,000.
Class D felony charges often involve nonviolent conduct—such as drug possession, property damage, or domestic issues that escalated suddenly. Many of these cases give your defense lawyer room to negotiate for reductions, probation, or alternative outcomes. In Freeman, MO, it’s common for Class D felonies to arise from momentary lapses in judgment or emotionally charged disputes.
Examples include:
- Third-degree domestic assault (RSMo. § 565.074)
- Fraud and financial crimes (RSMo. Chapter 570)
- Passing bad checks (RSMo. § 570.120)
- Resisting arrest (RSMo. § 575.150)
Class E Felony in Freeman, MO
A Class E felony conviction can lead to up to 4 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
Class E felonies are the lowest felony level in Freeman, MO, but they still carry lifelong consequences. A conviction can impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, firearm ownership, and future background checks. These cases often involve allegations of careless, negligent, or risky behavior—not necessarily intentional harm.
Examples in Freeman, MO include:
- Criminal negligence (RSMo. § 562.016)
- Some vehicle-related crimes, such as DWI (RSMo. § 577.010), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (RSMo. § 577.060), Driving While Revoked (RSMo. § 302.321)
- Lower-level drug or property crimes (depending on circumstances)
If you’re facing any felony charge in Freeman, MO, you need representation from a skilled felony defense lawyer who is trained to navigate high-stakes litigation and build powerful defense strategies. Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
Why Acting Fast Matters When You’re Facing a Felony in Freeman, MO
Freeman, MO felony cases move fast—often faster than people expect. Police start collecting evidence. Prosecutors work to lock in witness statements. And every day you wait, your defense gets harder. You need an advocate now, not later.
When you hire a felony defense lawyer in Freeman, MO from Combs Waterkotte, we can:
- Protect your rights immediately
- Begin building your defense *before* prosecutors file formal charges
- Stop you from accidentally incriminating yourself
- Locate and preserve evidence that supports your case
- Challenge unconstitutional police conduct at every step
- Negotiate bond reduction or release conditions
- Expose weaknesses in witness claims or police reports
Facing felony charges in Freeman, MO? When you choose a Combs Waterkotte Freeman, MO felony defense lawyer, you’re not only choosing a leading felony defense lawyer in Freeman, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to a knowledgeable felony defense lawyer, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Freeman and beyond:
Powerful Defense Strategies Our Freeman, MO Felony Defense Lawyers Use
Every felony case in Freeman, MO is different, but Combs Waterkotte builds defense strategies based solely on the circumstances of your case. Successful felony defense often includes:
1. Attacking the Elements of the Crime
For a conviction, prosecutors must prove every single element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If even one part doesn’t meet that standard, the case cannot stand.
2. Investigating Illegal Stops or Searches
We look closely at how officers handled the stop, arrest, and search. If they crossed legal boundaries, we expose it. Any unconstitutional search may lead to the evidence being thrown out—and once evidence disappears, charges often do too.
3. Challenging Intent
Intent is one of the most misunderstood parts of felony charges in Freeman, MO. We work to show the full picture—context, circumstances, and behavior—to prove that the prosecution can’t establish the required intent.
4. Revealing Weak, Unverified, or Mismanaged Evidence
We use our deep investigative resources and expert partnerships in Freeman and across Missouri to dig into the evidence and expose its weaknesses. That includes:
- Questionable forensic work
- Missing chain-of-custody records
- Misidentifications or unreliable witnesses
- Inconsistent police reports
- Statements obtained through pressure or fear
5. Negotiating From Strength, Not Fear
Prosecutors take our Freeman, MO felony defense lawyers seriously because they know we prepare for trial from Day One.
A trial-ready defense often results in:
- Full dismissals
- Reduced charges
- Probation or alternative outcomes
- Treatment or rehabilitation options
- Deferred or diverted prosecution
Why Hire a Combs Waterkotte Felony Defense Lawyer in Freeman, MO?
Choosing the right felony defense lawyer in Freeman, MO can change the entire outcome of your case. You’re not just looking for someone to stand beside you in court—you need an advocate who understands what’s at stake and fights like your future depends on it.
Our Freeman, MO attorneys are:
- Committed to YOU, not the system
- Deeply knowledgeable about courts and prosecutors in the Freeman, MO area
- Strategic, highly skilled, and aggressive
- Experienced with serious charges and high stakes
- Committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you
Get Immediate Help From a Combs Waterkotte Felony Defense Lawyer in Freeman, MO
Felony charges in Freeman, MO are life-altering. Whether the accusation involves violence, weapons, drugs, or a lower-level offense, you’re facing consequences that could follow you forever. You shouldn’t face that kind of pressure alone.
At Combs Waterkotte, we move fast to protect your rights, secure critical evidence, and build a defense that puts you back in control. Our team fights hard because your life, your freedom, and your future matter. Call (314) 900-HELP now or send us a message to speak with an experienced Freeman, MO felony defense lawyer right away. Help starts the moment you contact us.
