Criminal attorney in Bridgeton, MO. Regardless of how you got here, you have the same rights as everyone else in the United States. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is committed to aggressively and relentlessly protecting your rights to secure the most favorable results for all of our Bridgeton, MO clients. We handle criminal cases ranging from credit card fraud to murder and homicide charges. Whether you’re innocent, a situation was outside of your control or you simply made a mistake, we will fight persistently for you and effectively defend your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Bridgeton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation case review.
Anytime you’re dealing with the prospect of a criminal charge, the first thing on your mind is having your freedom put at risk. The United States has has two million people in prisons or jails. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in Bridgeton, MO is with the help of a knowledgeable and committed criminal attorney. We understand that, regardless of the circumstances, you are likely apprehensive about how these charges may upend your life. Let us fight for you and get your charges reduced or dismissed and negotiate with a prosecutor and judge or defend you in trial to avoid incarceration. Reach out to a criminal attorney in Bridgeton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
How a Criminal Attorney in Bridgeton, MO Can Help
Criminal attorneys know the legal system, the laws that guide them, how to talk to a prosecutor and how to defend you in front of a jury. Some of what we can help with are:
Delay or Stop Formal Charges
After you’ve been detained, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Bridgeton, MO, show them evidence that demonstrates it is highly unlikely you committed the crime, and persuade them to drop the charges or reduce the severity of the charges.
Enforce Your Rights
When Bridgeton, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, they’ll go to great lengths to acquire the evidence needed to prosecute. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, a “confession” obtained in deceitful interrogations can still be presented in court. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and verify law enforcement respects:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
- Your Fifth Amendment right to due process
- Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation
Carry Out an Investigation
A criminal attorney in Bridgeton, MO will perform a rigorous investigation, often more in-depth than that of police, in an effort to uncover physical evidence and witnesses that will help get your charges reduced, dismissed, or help secure a not guilty verdict. We’ll also examine the state’s investigation, and see if any of your rights were violated or if the state’s evidence is unlikely to be enough for a conviction.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Depending on the quality and amount of evidence the state has, we’ll work with you to develop the best defense strategy. In some cases, it may be best to accept a plea deal. We may advise making a verbal statement in court asking for leniency because of mitigating circumstances. Other times we may be able to clear your name or, if we proceed to trial, convince a jury that the state has not fulfilled the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt. Are witnesses unreliable? Is the evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll explore every option to persuade a jury they cannot morally return a guilty verdict with what was presented in court.
Provide You With Sound Legal Counsel
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be honest with you about the odds of success for different defense strategies. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. Still, sometimes the realistic most favorable option can be accepting some of the charges. No matter what, we’ll be by your side and defend you how based on the decision you make for yourself.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Bridgeton, MO Takes
Your Bridgeton, MO criminal attorney has experience reducing, dismissing, and winning acquittals in a variety of cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like murder. We have gotten great results for our clients facing the following charges:
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- DWI/DUI
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Traffic Tickets
Whatever alleged crime occurred in Bridgeton, MO, Combs Waterkotte is not here to pass judgment or rebuke you for past mistakes. We understand that situations get out of hand, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For empathetic, dedicated and aggressive legal representation, reach out to a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Bridgeton, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
The option of a free public defender can be attractive, but the truth is you’ll have a better chance of success by hiring a private Bridgeton, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, a public defender may not be able to devote as much time to you case as necessary. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System reported that Bridgeton, MO public defenders have two to three times the workload they should in order to come up with a good defense. While there are great criminal attorneys in the public defense system, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may prevent them from devoting the best defense possible.
Another study found that the state is give better deals to defendants with a private criminal attorney than one who has a public defender. It also reported that incarceration is, on average, five years less with a private attorney, despite private attorneys generally taking on more serious charges.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Bridgeton, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in Bridgeton, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a free case review that’s free of any criticism, regardless of your level of guilt and the evidence against you. Our clients and their rights matter to us. You’ll always have access to communication directly with the attorney assigned to your case. Whether you did nothing wrong or did something you regret, we’ll give you the devoted, relentless and empathetic legal representation you are entitled to. Call criminal attorney in Bridgeton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.
