Criminal attorney in Camden County, MO. Being charged with a crime in Camden 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.
Maybe it was a misunderstanding, a moment of poor judgment, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter what, we’ll build a defense designed to protect your freedom and your future. Call a dedicated Camden County, MO criminal attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, 100% confidential case evaluation.
Article Summary
This comprehensive page from Combs Waterkotte presents a client-focused overview of what to expect when facing criminal charges in Camden 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 Camden 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 Camden County, MO for tough, personalized defense.
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 …
Why Hiring a Camden County, MO Criminal Attorney is Essential
When you’re facing criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are all on the line. While the U.S. leads the world in incarceration rates, that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. With an aggressive, strategic Camden County, MO criminal attorney by your side, you have a real chance to beat the odds.
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 Camden 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 Camden 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 Camden County, MO criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are here to level the playing field and give you the fighting chance you deserve:
Prevent Charges Before They’re Filed in Camden County, MO
Just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean charges are inevitable. When you involve us early, we can act fast — speaking with prosecutors, presenting exculpatory evidence, and challenging the case before it even reaches court. Many Camden County, MO clients never see formal charges thanks to early intervention.
Protect Your Rights from Day One
Law enforcement is not obligated to protect your best interests. In fact, according to a Supreme Court ruling, police are legally allowed to lie during interrogations. That’s why our defense begins the moment you call us—ensuring no one violates your:
- Search & seizure protections under the Fourth Amendment
- 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 Thorough Independent Investigation in Camden 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 Camden County, MO.
Build a Defense That Works for You
{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. Every case is different, and your defense should be too. Whether we’re seeking to dismiss the charges, negotiate a plea, or present your case before a jury, we build a personalized strategy designed to protect your rights and future. If trial is the right path, we’ll be fully prepared. (See some of our common common defense strategies below for more insight.)
Guide You With Honesty and Confidence in Camden 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.
Camden County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Camden County and Missouri.
In addition to our leading Camden County, MO criminal attorney services, see below for other specialities in Camden County, MO:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Criminal Cases We Defend in Camden County, MO
With over 10,000 cases just like yours under our belt, the criminal attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have the experience and tenacity to defend nearly every kind of charge in Camden County, MO. From misdemeanors and felonies to high-level federal crimes, we deliver powerful legal defense where and when you need it most:
- 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 Camden 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.
Steps to Take If You’re Charged With a Crime in Camden County, MO
If you’re facing criminal allegations in Camden County, MO, every decision you make from this point forward matters. The legal system moves fast. Here’s how to protect yourself and your future starting today:
- Step 1 — Stay Grounded and Avoid Panic:
Being charged is overwhelming, but acting impulsively can do more harm than good. Stay calm, don’t argue with authorities, and avoid trying to “explain” anything. - Step 2 — Use Your Right to Stay Silent:
Law enforcement is trained to get confessions. Simply state, “I want an attorney,” and say nothing else. This one step can safeguard your entire defense. - Step 3 — Call a Camden County, MO Criminal Attorney Who’s Ready to Fight:
The earlier you bring in experienced legal representation, the more options you have. Combs Waterkotte’s Camden County, MO criminal attorneys know how to intervene early, negotiate strategically, and protect your rights from the very start. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. - Step 4 — Keep Your Camden County, MO Case Private:
Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone, including friends, family, or on social media. Innocent remarks can be twisted or taken out of context by prosecutors in Camden County, MO. Silence is protection. - Step 5 — Know the Charges You’re Facing in Camden County, MO:
Knowing exactly what you’re up against gives you power. We’ll break down each charge, what the law says, and what potential outcomes could look like—so you’re never in the dark. - Step 6 — Collaborate With Us on a Winning Game Plan:
Your side of the story matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we take the time to listen and craft a defense tailored to the facts and your goals—whether that’s beating the charges, negotiating a favorable deal, or fighting for an acquittal in court.
Proven Defense Strategies Our Camden County, MO Criminal Attorneys Rely On
Being accused of a crime does not equal guilt. In every case, the prosecution must prove their claims beyond a reasonable doubt, and that’s a high bar. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve helped thousands of clients in Camden County and throughout Missouri avoid conviction through powerful, time-tested defense strategies built around the facts. Below are some of the most effective tactics our Camden County, MO criminal lawyers use to protect your freedom:
- Alibi— We present evidence proving you were somewhere else when the alleged offense occurred, such as GPS records, surveillance footage, or credible witnesses, to establish it was physically impossible for you to have committed the crime.
- Battered Spouse Syndrome— Common in domestic violence cases in the Camden County, MO area, this defense helps jurors understand how chronic abuse led you to act out of fear for your life, not criminal intent.
- Consent— Especially relevant in sexual misconduct or physical altercation cases, this strategy demonstrates that the alleged victim willingly participated in the actions, undermining claims of unlawful conduct.
- 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— If you stepped in to shield another person from danger, we’ll use available evidence to show your actions were not only justified, but lawful under Missouri’s protection statutes.
- 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— Missouri’s Castle Doctrine affirms your right to use force when defending your home. If someone unlawfully entered your property, we’ll argue that your actions were entirely lawful and protected by statute.
- 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— Criminal charges often hinge on proving intent. If your actions were accidental, misinterpreted, or lacked the required mental state, we can push for dismissal or significantly reduced charges.
- Entrapment—
When police go too far, it’s not law enforcement—it’s entrapment. If you were tricked into committing a crime by someone in power, we’ll make sure the court sees the setup and holds it accountable. - Necessity— In crisis situations, sometimes the law allows for breaking the law. If your actions were the only way to avoid a greater harm, we’ll explain the emergency context behind your decision and argue for justification.
- Violation of Miranda Rights— If your rights weren’t read during arrest or questioning, that’s a major violation—and we’ll fight to suppress any illegally obtained statements or confessions.
- 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 a Private Camden County, MO Criminal Attorney?
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you have the right to a public defender. But the truth is, many public defenders in Camden 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.
Studies also show that defendants with private criminal attorneys are more likely to get reduced charges, better plea offers, and significantly shorter sentences, even in more serious cases. At Combs Waterkotte, we devote our full attention and client-centered approach to every single case in Camden County, MO and beyond.
Your Camden County, MO Defense Starts with a Call to Combs Waterkotte
Criminal charges can turn your world upside down, but you don’t have to face them alone. A dedicated Camden County, MO criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte is ready to help you take back control. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to schedule a judgment-free consultation. You’ll speak directly with a compassionate, battle-tested criminal attorney in Camden County, MO who will walk you through your options and start building a strong, strategic defense. We take your case personally, and we’re here to fight for your future.
