Cape Girardeau, MO

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Criminal Attorney Cape Girardeau, MO

Criminal attorney in Cape Girardeau, 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 devoted to aggressively and relentlessly working with the judicial system to secure the best possible results for all of our Cape Girardeau, MO clients. We take on all severities of criminal cases from misdemeanor offenses to murder and homicide charges. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, you got caught up in something you had nothing to do with or you simply made a poor decision, we will fight tenaciously for you and passionately enforce your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk case review.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, the worst-case scenario is losing your freedom and having to spend time in jail or prison. The United States has more inmates per capita than any other country. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in Cape Girardeau, MO is with the dedicated representation of a veteran and compassionate criminal attorney. We understand that, whatever reason you are in this situation, 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 pursue every option to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Get in touch with a criminal attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.

Cape Girardeau County Resources

Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.

What a Criminal Attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO Can Do For You

Criminal attorneys know the judicial 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 Charges From Being Filed

After an arrest, a knowledgeable criminal attorney can often meet with a prosecutor or district attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO, show them evidence that corroborates your side of the story, and stop the charges from being filed or only bring lesser charges.

Defend Your Rights

When Cape Girardeau, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, they have a lot at their disposal to acquire the evidence needed for a conviction. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, a “confession” obtained in deceitful interrogations can still be presented in court. A criminal attorney will let you know what to say and what not to say and make sure that law enforcement does not infringe on:

Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation

Carry Out an Investigation

A criminal attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO will conduct a meticulous investigation, often more detailed than that of law enforcement’s, so that we can find physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to your case. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was acquired, and if any of your rights were violated or if the state’s case does not add up.

Develop a Defense Strategy

Different cases are best defended in different ways, depending on the severity of the charges and the evidence the state is using. 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 it might be possible to present evidence demonstrating your innocence or, if the case goes to trial, persuade a jury that there is not enough evidence to convict you beyond a reasonable doubt. Did you have a reliable alibi? Was much of evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll do everything possible to persuade a jury they cannot morally find you guilty with what was presented in court.

Give You Trustworthy Legal Advice

A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be sincere with you about your chances of acquittal or getting the charges reduced. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes it may make the most sense for you, your family and your freedom to choose another strategy. 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 Cape Girardeau, MO Takes

Your Cape Girardeau, MO criminal attorney has experience offering the highest level of legal advocacy in a variety of cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like murder. We have gotten great outcomes for our clients facing the following charges:

Whatever charges you’re facing in Cape Girardeau, MO, Combs Waterkotte knows that it does not define your character. We understand that our emotions can get the best of us, or that often people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. For empathetic, committed and tenacious legal representation, call a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP.

Public Defender or a Private Cape Girardeau, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?

The option of a free public defender can be attractive, but usually you’ll be best served by hiring a private Cape Girardeau, 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 stated that Cape Girardeau, MO public defenders often do not even have half the amount of time necessary to come up with a quality defense. While there are qualified and meticulous public defenders, they are human and their high case loads may keep them from devoting as much time necessary to your case.

Another study found that the state is more likely to offer a favorable deal to a defendant with a private criminal attorney than one who has a public defender. It also found that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys often taking on more serious charges.

Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Cape Girardeau, MO:

Criminal Attorney Cape Girardeau, MO | Criminal Justice | Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Cape Girardeau

Call a Criminal Attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte

When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-risk consultation that’s free of any criticism, no matter what the nature of your charges. Our clients and their freedom matter to us. You’ll always have access to communication directly with the attorney assigned to your case. Whether you’re innocent of the charges or did something you regret, we’ll give you the committed, relentless and passionate legal representation you are entitled to. Call criminal attorney in Cape Girardeau, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.