Criminal attorney in Barry County, MO. Being charged with a crime in Barry County, MO is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Combs Waterkotte, our compassionate yet aggressive criminal attorneys understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to stand with you. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor charge or a serious felony, we’ve helped countless clients take back control of their future — and we can help you too.
Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, made a mistake, or are completely innocent, we’ll fight to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved in your favor. Call a trusted Barry County, MO criminal attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, fully confidential case review.
Article Summary
This comprehensive page from Combs Waterkotte presents a client-focused overview of what to expect when facing criminal charges in Barry County, MO, and why choosing the right legal defense team makes all the difference. It opens by underscoring the high stakes of criminal accusations and the urgent need for strategic, aggressive legal representation. The article walks potential clients through the critical advantages of working with a private Barry County, MO criminal attorney versus relying on overburdened public defenders, citing national and state-specific research.
The article walks you step-by-step through the legal defense journey. You’ll learn how the attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight for clients — from blocking charges early, challenging unlawful police action, and gathering favorable evidence, to negotiating with prosecutors and preparing for trial if necessary. Whether you’re dealing with drug charges, assault, or a juvenile case, this page shows why Combs Waterkotte is trusted by clients across Barry County, MO for tough, personalized defense.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
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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 …
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 …
Barry County, MO Criminal Attorney: Combs Waterkotte
Anytime you’re facing criminal charges, your worst fear is becoming just another statistic in the justice system. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, but that doesn’t mean jail or prison is inevitable. With the right Barry County, MO criminal attorney in your corner, you can fight back.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring relentless focus, deep experience and expertise , and powerful resources to every single case. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Barry County, MO, our team is ready to fight back with the expertise and trial skill that earns results, not just promises.
Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 60 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Your Advocate, Strategist, and Shield: What a Barry County, MO Criminal Attorney Does for You
You’re not just fighting charges, you’re up against an entire system built to convict. That’s why the Constitution guarantees your right to an attorney. The Barry County, MO criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are here to level the playing field and give you the fighting chance you deserve:
Stop Criminal Charges Before They Begin in Barry County, MO
Being arrested doesn’t automatically mean charges will stick. If you act quickly in Barry County, MO, our team can intervene before formal charges are filed. We’ll meet with prosecutors, present critical evidence, and often succeed in getting charges dropped or significantly reduced at the earliest stages.
Stand Between You and the System
Prosecutors are focused on securing convictions, not protecting your rights. And yes, under a notable Supreme Court decision, police are allowed to lie during interrogations. We make sure your rights are respected at every turn, including:
- Your Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful search and seizure
- Your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment
- Your right to legal counsel under the Sixth Amendment|Sixth Amendment right to have a lawyer present|Your Sixth Amendment right to counsel}
Launch a Deep, Unbiased Investigation in Barry County, MO
We don’t accept the prosecution’s version at face value. Our team works from the ground up to find favorable evidence, question assumptions, and uncover facts the state may have missed, all to build a powerful defense on your behalf in Barry County, MO.
Build a Custom Legal Defense Strategy
{There’s no one-size-fits-all defense. We craft a legal approach that reflects the facts of your case, your goals, and your best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a reduced charge, fighting for acquittal, or making a strong case at trial. For examples, see below for some of our most common criminal defense strategies.)
Guide You With Honesty and Confidence in Barry County, MO
We’re straight with you about where your case stands and what your options are. If a plea deal makes sense, we’ll explain why. If trial is the right move, we’ll be ready. At every point, you’ll have a clear, honest picture of what’s ahead, and an attorney ready to fight for you.
Barry County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Barry County and Missouri.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Barry County, MO:
Cases a Combs Waterkotte Criminal Attorney in Barry County, MO Handles
Our Barry County, MO criminal attorneys have earned a reputation for getting results, successfully handling 10,000 cases just like yours and counting. No matter what you’re up against, whether a minor charge, a serious felony, or a complex federal offense, we know how to navigate the system and fight for your future:
- DWI/DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Murder/Homicide
- Juvenile Crimes
At the heart of our Barry County, MO defense strategy is a commitment to giving every client the focus, respect, and care they need. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, because your future deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution.
What to Do Right Away If You’re Charged With a Crime in Barry County, MO
If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with a crime in Barry County, MO, the clock is ticking, and your future could depend on how quickly and carefully you act. Follow these essential steps to protect yourself and your case:
- Step 1 — Stay Calm & Think Strategically:
Don’t let fear dictate your next move. Remaining composed allows you to think clearly and act in your own best interest. - Step 2 — Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent:
Do not answer questions from police or investigators without an attorney present. Politely but firmly state that you’re invoking your right to remain silent. What you say can, and likely will, be used against you. - Step 3 — Demand Legal Representation Immediately:
The sooner you have a defense attorney on your side, the better. Studies show defendants represented by private attorneys often receive better plea deals and shorter sentences. Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online as soon as possible to speak with a skilled Barry County, MO criminal attorney. - Step 4 — Keep Your Barry County, MO Case Private:
Talking about your situation, even with people you trust, can backfire. Anything said outside attorney-client privilege could potentially be used against you in court. Keep communications limited and confidential. - Step 5 — Know the Charges You’re Facing in Barry County, MO:
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when charges are vague or unclear. Our Barry County, MO criminal defense attorneys will explain your charges in plain English and outline what they mean for your future. - Step 6 — Partner With Us on Your Defense Strategy:
We believe in your story. Our team works with you to build a strategy that reflects your truth and objectives. Whether that’s dismissal, a favorable plea, or taking your case to trial, we’re with you every step of the way.
Proven Defense Strategies Our Barry County, MO Criminal Attorneys Rely On
Just because you’ve been charged with a crime doesn’t mean you’re guilty. In fact, the burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution, and they must convince a jury of your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully defended clients in Barry County and across Missouri by employing powerful, well-tested defense strategies tailored to each case. Here are some of the most common defenses our Barry County, MO criminal attorneys use:
- Alibi— We present compelling proof, like video evidence, electronic data, or witness testimony, showing you were elsewhere when the crime happened, creating clear reasonable doubt.
- Battered Spouse Syndrome— This defense shows that years of domestic abuse led to your actions. It gives juries context, allowing them to understand your actions in light of trauma and self-preservation.
- Consent— In cases involving allegations of assault or sexual misconduct, we demonstrate that the interaction was voluntary and consensual, directly contradicting the prosecution’s version of events and introducing critical doubt.
- Self-Defense— When you’re forced to protect yourself from physical harm, the law gives you that right. We back this defense with witness accounts, medical reports, or surveillance footage that confirms your response was necessary and justified.
- Defense of Others— Acting to protect someone else is a valid legal defense. We provide proof that your intervention was reasonable and driven by an immediate need to prevent harm to another person.
- Stand Your Ground— This defense reinforces your right to stand firm in the face of a threat without retreat. We use your testimony, eyewitness reports, and other evidence to establish that your actions met the legal threshold for justified force.
- Castle Doctrine— You are legally protected when defending your home from intruders. We highlight any unlawful entry and establish that your defensive actions were both proportionate and covered by Missouri’s home-defense laws.
- Duress— If you acted under the threat of serious injury or death, we’ll demonstrate that you had no realistic alternative. You didn’t choose the crime — you were forced into it, and that distinction matters.
- Lack of Criminal Intent— Without intent, there is no crime. Whether the act was a mistake, accident, or misunderstanding, we can raise serious doubt about whether you had the mindset to commit a criminal offense.
- Entrapment—
Law enforcement isn’t allowed to manufacture crimes. If you were manipulated or pressured into illegal conduct by police or government agents, we’ll expose the misconduct and work to have your charges dismissed. - Necessity— Sometimes, doing the right thing means breaking the law. If your actions were taken in response to a genuine emergency or to prevent serious harm, we’ll argue that necessity justified your conduct.
- Violation of Miranda Rights— If you weren’t properly informed of your rights during your arrest or interrogation in the Barry County, MO area, any resulting statements or confessions may be inadmissible — and your case could weaken substantially.
- Insanity or Mental Incapacity— When mental illness prevents someone from understanding the nature or consequences of their actions, the law recognizes that punishment isn’t justice. We work with experts to build a powerful mental health defense if appropriate.
Public Defender or Private Criminal Attorney in Barry County, MO — What’s Best for You?
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you have the right to a public defender. But the truth is, many public defenders in Barry County, MO are overloaded and underfunded. A comprehensive study confirmed that Missouri’s public defenders simply don’t have the bandwidth to provide the level of investigation, preparation, and advocacy that many cases require.
Research shows that defendants represented by private counsel receive better outcomes, including lower charges, more favorable plea deals, and shorter sentences. At Combs Waterkotte, we take fewer cases so we can give yours the full attention it deserves. Our client-first model ensures you’re not just a case file—you’re our top priority.
Speak with a Proven Barry County, MO Criminal Attorney Today
Every minute matters when you’re facing criminal charges. The earlier you involve a seasoned Barry County, MO criminal attorney, the more opportunities we have to challenge the prosecution’s case. At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t waste time. We get to work. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. You’ll connect directly with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Barry County, MO who will listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline a path forward. We know what’s at stake—and we’re prepared to fight relentlessly to protect your freedom.
