Crime defense lawyers in Maries County, MO. If you have been charged with, arrested for, or even questioned about a crime anywhere in or around Maries County, MO, you need the best possible legal representation fighting for you. 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 Maries County, MO area. Our skilled and experienced legal team is completely devoted to providing expert representation and making sure you receive fair and equitable treatment within the legal system.
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. Call our Maries County, MO crime defense lawyers as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or conveniently contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience, and our record of success speaks for itself.
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 …
Understanding the Role of Maries County, MO Crime Defense Lawyers
The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers, also known as award-winning criminal defense attorneys in Maries County, 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
Maries County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Maries County and Missouri.
Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers in Maries County, MO: What’s the Difference Between State and Federal Crimes?
It’s important to understand that federal and state crimes have distinct characteristics, primarily shaped by the jurisdiction overseeing their prosecution and the legal frameworks governing them. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers are proficient in federal court proceedings in Maries County, MO and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the key disparities between federal and state offenses:
- Jurisdictional Scope: Federal crimes in the Maries County, MO area transgress laws established by the U.S. federal government, which possess authority over nationwide matters. 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 under the jurisdiction of state and local Maries County, MO law enforcement agencies.
- Jury Selection: In the realm of federal law, juries are assembled from broader geographical regions, commonly encompassing entire federal districts. This fosters a diverse array of prospective jurors. On the other hand, state juries often consist of individuals from more localized areas, reflecting the demographic makeup of their respective jurisdictions.
- Investigative Authorities: Federal law enforcement bodies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF are tasked with investigating and prosecuting federal offenses, maintaining jurisdiction nationwide. Conversely, state and local law enforcement entities like Missouri state police departments, Maries County, MO municipal police forces, and Maries County, MO and surrounding areas’ sheriff departments .
- Legal Frameworks: Federal crimes adhere to regulations delineated in the U.S. Code, a comprehensive compilation of federal statutes ratified by Congress. These laws are uniformly applicable across all states and territories. In contrast, state crimes are governed by distinct criminal codes specific to each state, covering various legal domains such as criminal offenses, matters of family law, and property regulations.
- Prosecutorial Process: Federal crimes are typically litigated in federal courts presided over by federal judges. In contrast, state crimes are prosecuted by district attorneys or state prosecutors representing the state government, with cases adjudicated in state courts overseen by state judges.
- Penalties: Federal penalties may encompass probation, fines, imprisonment in federal corrections facilities, and parole. Conversely, penalties for state crimes exhibit significant variability, with each jurisdiction possessing its sentencing guidelines dictating potential consequences like fines, probation, imprisonment in state prisons or county jails, and parole.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Maries County, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for help with any state or federal crime you may be facing.

The Key Responsibilities of the Maries County, MO Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte lawyer, you will always get individual attention to detail and care. The following are some of the key responsibilities of our defense attorneys:
- Legal Representation: Our crime defense lawyers act as staunch advocates for our clients throughout every stage of the criminal justice process. From initial investigations in Maries County, ]state] to courtroom proceedings, we provide transparent and honest legal counsel, strategizing defense tactics, and vigorously representing your interests.
- Case Evaluation in Maries County, MO: One of the first steps of a crime defense lawyer is to thoroughly assess the details 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 to your unique circumstances in Maries County, MO.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Our skilled litigators in Maries County, MO excel at presenting compelling arguments on your behalf in court. They 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 Maries County, MO prosecution’s case and secure a verdict of not guilty or minimize imposed penalties.
- Post-Trial Representation: Even after a conviction, our commitment to your rights doesn’t waver in Maries County, 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 hire Combs Waterkotte, you can rely on the fact that our devoted legal team will provide you with the individualized attention, expertise, and unwavering advocacy you deserve.
What’s the Importance of Crime Defense Lawyers in Maries County, MO?
Understanding the importance of crime defense lawyers is paramount when facing legal challenges in the Maries County, MO area. You deserve the Combs Waterkotte legal 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, whether state or federal. In a justice system where state and federal prosecutors hold considerable authority, our Maries County, MO crime defense lawyers serve as a vital counterbalance. They advocate for the rights of the accused, striving for fairness and equity in every Maries County, MO case, whether at the state or federal level.
- Preserving your constitutional rights. Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers ensure that individuals accused of crimes in or around Maries County, MO receive due process and other constitutional protections guaranteed by law. They safeguard rights such as right to a fair trial, the right to legal counsel, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
- Preventing miscarriages of justice. Our criminal defense attorneys play a crucial role in preventing miscarriages of justice. Through thorough investigation, diligent advocacy, and unwavering representation, they strive to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served.
- Ensuring assess to justice. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers provide essential legal representation to individuals from all walks of life throughout Maries County and across Missouri. Regardless of financial means, our team ensures that everyone has access to top-tier legal defense when facing criminal charges.
When you hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best crime defense lawyers in Maries County, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to crime defense, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Maries County, MO residents:

The Leading Crime Defense Lawyers in Maries County, MO
If you find yourself facing criminal charges in Maries County or anywhere else across Missouri, there’s no need to panic. Our team is here to provide the support and expertise you need during this challenging time. Our Maries County, MO crime defense lawyers are steadfast advocates who fight for your innocence.
Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation case review with one of our expert Maries County, MO attorneys.

