Crime defense lawyers in Ozark, MO. If you have been charged with, arrested for, or even questioned about a crime in Ozark, MO, you need the best possible legal representation on your side. No matter the severity of the crime – from minor infractions to more serious felonies – the crime defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are here to help.
These crime defense lawyers play a pivotal role in protecting the rights and freedoms of clients accused of criminal offenses throughout the Ozark, MO area. Our skilled and experienced legal team is fully dedicated to providing expert representation and making sure you receive fair and equitable treatment under the law.
Combs Waterkotte understands all too well that sometimes good people find themselves in bad situations, and we work to minimize the effect criminal charges can have on you, your reputation, and your future. Reach out to our Ozark, MO crime defense lawyers as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or conveniently contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys boast an impressive track record of successful outcomes.
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 …
Understanding the Role of Ozark, MO Crime Defense Lawyers
The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers, also known as award-winning criminal defense attorneys in Ozark, MO, specialize in representing clients facing criminal charges and advocating for the best possible outcome in their case. Our knowledgeable attorneys defend all cases and criminal charges both at the state and federal level, including:
- DUIs and DWIs
- Motor Vehicle Tampering
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Theft/Larceny
- Probation Violations
- Drug Charges and Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Credit Card Fraud
- Murder
- View all criminal defense cases we take
Christian County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Christian County and Missouri.
Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers in Ozark, MO: Exploring the Differences Between State and Federal Crimes
Understanding the difference between federal and state crimes is important, as they are governed by completely separate jurisdictions and legal frameworks. Our skilled team of crime defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte is well-versed in federal court proceedings, extending our expertise in Ozark, MO and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental differences between federal and state offenses:
- Jurisdictional Scope: Federal crimes in the Ozark, MO area transgress laws established by the U.S. federal government, which holds authority over matters concerning the entire nation. These offenses encompass activities spanning multiple states, violations occurring on federal premises such as military installations, federal buildings, and Native American territories, as well as crimes against governmental entities and acts of terrorism. Conversely, state crimes contravene statutes enacted by the Missouri state government, falling within the purview of state and local Ozark, MO law enforcement agencies.
- Jury Selection: Federal juries are drawn from broader geographical areas, typically spanning entire federal districts, fostering diverse jury compositions. Conversely, state juries are commonly composed of individuals from more localized areas, reflecting the demographic makeup of their respective jurisdictions.
- Investigative Authorities: Federal law enforcement entities such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF are entrusted with investigating and prosecuting federal offenses, maintaining jurisdiction nationwide. Conversely, state and local law enforcement entities like Missouri state police departments, Ozark, MO municipal police forces, and sheriff departments in Ozark, MO and surrounding areas handle investigations and enforcement of state crimes within their respective jurisdictions.
- Legal Frameworks: Federal crimes adhere to regulations outlined in the U.S. Code, a comprehensive compilation of federal statutes ratified by Congress. These laws are applicable across all states and territories. In contrast, state crimes abide by specific criminal codes unique to each state, covering an array of legal matters like criminal offenses, family law matters, and property law.
- Prosecutorial Process: Federal crimes are normally litigated in federal courts presided over by federal judges. Conversely, state crimes are prosecuted by district attorneys or state prosecutors representing state governments, adjudicated in state courts under the jurisdiction of state judges.
- Penalties: Federal penalties may encompass probation, fines, incarceration in federal penitentiaries, and parole. Conversely, penalties for state crimes exhibit significant variability, with each jurisdiction having its own sentencing guidelines dictating potential consequences such as fines, probation, imprisonment in state penitentiaries or county jails, and parole.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ozark, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for assistance with any state or federal matters you may be facing.
Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers in Ozark, MO: Key Responsibilities
The Combs Waterkotte lawyers take on a range of crucial responsibilities to ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what you expect when you hire our lawyers:
- Legal Representation: Crime defense lawyers serve as advocates for their clients throughout the stages of the criminal justice programs, from pretrial investigations in Ozark, MO to courtroom proceedings. The Combs Waterkotte legal experts are fully transparent through your legal process, giving honest legal advice, strategizing defense tactics, and representing your interests during hearings and trials.
- Case Evaluation in Ozark, MO: One of our first steps is to conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. Our legal team reviews evidence, interviews witnesses, and identifies potential legal issues that could impact our defense. This comprehensive analysis helps us formulate an effective defense strategy tailored specifically to the circumstances of your Ozark, MO case.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Our skilled litigators in Ozark, MO excel at presenting compelling arguments on your behalf in court. We adeptly cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present evidence and testimony in support of the defense. Our goal is to cast reasonable doubt on the Ozark, MO prosecution’s case and secure a verdict of not guilty or minimize the penalties imposed.
- Post-Trial Representation: Even after a conviction, our commitment to your rights doesn’t waver in Ozark, MO. We continue to advocate on your behalf, filing appeals, seeking post-conviction relief, and pursuing legal remedies to overturn wrongful convictions or mitigate the consequences of a guilty verdict.
When you pick Combs Waterkotte, you can rely on the fact that our devoted team of crime defense lawyers will provide you with the individualized attention, expertise, and unwavering advocacy you deserve.
What’s the Importance of Ozark, MO Crime Defense Lawyers?
Understanding the significance of crime defense lawyers is paramount when facing legal challenges in the Ozark, MO area. You need the Combs Waterkotte team on your side. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why enlisting the support of the Combs Waterkotte team is essential:
- Balancing the legal system in Ozark, MO. In a criminal justice system where a state or federal prosecutor wields significant power, our crime defense lawyers serve as a counterbalance, advocating for the rights of the accused and promoting fairness and equity.
- Preserving constitutional rights. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers ensure that if you’re accused of crimes, you are afforded due process and other constitutional protections guaranteed by the law. They safeguard your rights – including the right to a fair trial, the right to legal counsel, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
- Protecting against miscarriages of justice. Our criminal defense attorneys play a vital role in preventing miscarriages of justice. Their thorough investigation, diligent advocacy, and commitment to zealous representation help uncover the truth and make sure that justice is served.
- Ensuring your access to justice. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers provide essential legal representation to individuals from all walks of life throughout the Ozark, MO area, regardless of your financial means. By providing our services, we ensure that everyone has access to the best possible legal defense.
When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best crime defense lawyers in Ozark, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with crime defense, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Ozark, MO residents:
The Leading Crime Defense Lawyers in Ozark, MO
If you are facing charges for a crime in Ozark or anywhere else in Missouri, remain calm. We are here to help. Our Ozark, MO crime defense lawyers are indispensable advocates, dedicated to fiercely defending your rights and innocence.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our expert Ozark, MO attorneys.
