Crime defense lawyers in Smithville, MO. If you have been charged with, arrested for, or even questioned about a crime anywhere in or around Smithville, 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.
Our team of crime defense lawyers serves a vital function in safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals accused of crimes, not only in Smithville, but throughout Missouri. 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 recognizes that even the most upstanding individuals can find themselves in challenging circumstances. Our mission is to minimize the impact of criminal charges on your life, reputation, and future prospects. Reach out to our Smithville, 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 Crime Defense Lawyers in Smithville, MO
The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers, also known as award-winning criminal defense attorneys in Smithville, 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
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers in Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO and beyond. The following is a breakdown of the key disparities between federal and state offenses:
- Jurisdictional Scope: Federal crimes in the Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO law enforcement agencies.
- Jury Selection: Federal juries are drawn from broader geographical areas, typically spanning entire federal districts, fostering diverse jury compositions. On the other hand, state juries are commonly composed 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 entrusted with investigating and prosecuting federal offenses, maintaining jurisdiction nationwide. Conversely, state and local law enforcement entities like Missouri state police departments, Smithville, MO municipal police forces, and sheriff departments in Smithville, 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 compendium of federal statutes passed by Congress. These laws are applicable across all states and territories. Conversely, state crimes abide by specific criminal codes unique to each state, covering various legal domains such as criminal offenses, family law matters, and property regulations.
- Prosecutorial Process: Federal crimes are commonly litigated in federal courts presided over by federal judges. In contrast, 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 include probation, fines, imprisonment in federal corrections facilities, and parole. Conversely, penalties for state crimes vary extensively, with each jurisdiction possessing its sentencing guidelines dictating potential consequences like fines, probation, imprisonment in state penitentiaries or county jails, and parole.
Give the Smithville, MO lawyers at Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for assistance with any state or federal matters you may be facing.
The Key Responsibilities of the Smithville, 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: Crime defense lawyers serve as advocates for their clients throughout the stages of the criminal justice programs, from pretrial investigations in Smithville, MO to courtroom proceedings. The Combs Waterkotte legal experts are fully transparent throughout your legal process, giving honest legal advice, strategizing defense tactics, and representing your interests during hearings and trials.
- Case Evaluation in Smithville, MO: One of our first steps is to conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. Our legal team meticulously reviews evidence, interviews witnesses, and identifies potential legal issues that could impact our defense. This comprehensive analysis allows us to develop an effective defense strategy tailored specifically to the circumstances of your Smithville, MO case.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Our skilled litigators in Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, 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 trust that our dedicated legal team will provide you with the individualized attention, expertise, and unwavering advocacy you deserve.
What’s the Importance of Crime Defense Lawyers in Smithville, MO?
Understanding the significance of crime defense lawyers is paramount when facing legal challenges in the Smithville, MO area. You need the Combs Waterkotte team on your side. Give us a call today 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 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 an important 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 your access to justice. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers provide essential legal representation to individuals from all walks of life throughout the Smithville, MO area. Regardless of financial means, our team ensures that everyone has access to top-tier legal defense when facing criminal charges.
When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best crime defense lawyers in Smithville, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with crime defense, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Smithville, MO residents:
- Traffic Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
Reach Out to the Smithville, MO Leaders in Crime Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you are facing charges for a crime in Smithville or anywhere else in Missouri, remain calm. We are here to help. Our Smithville, MO crime defense lawyers are steadfast advocates who fight for your innocence.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation case review with one of our expert attorneys in Smithville, MO.
