Criminal attorney in Carthage, MO. Regardless of why you’re in this situation, you have rights that are guaranteed by our constitution. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is committed to pursuing every legal option to get the best possible results for all of our Carthage, MO clients. We handle criminal cases ranging from credit card fraud to being charges with the death of another. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, a situation was outside of your control or you simply made a poor decision, we will fight tenaciously for you and passionately defend your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Carthage, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.
Anytime you’re dealing with the prospect of a criminal charge, your greatest fear is having your freedom put in jeopardy. The United States has more inmates per capita than any other country. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in Carthage, MO is with the aid of a veteran and dedicated criminal attorney. We understand that, however you got here, the prospect of severe sentences and penalties is weighing heavily on you. Let us fight for you and get your charges lowered or thrown out and do everything possible to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Contact a criminal attorney in Carthage, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Jasper County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jasper County and Missouri.
How a Criminal Attorney in Carthage, MO Can Help
There are reasons everyone has a right to effective legal representation, and there are various ways a criminal attorney can help your case:
Delay or Stop Formal Charges
After you’ve been detained, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Carthage, MO, explain how their evidence is lacking, and convince them to drop the charges or charge you with a less serious crime.
Defend Your Rights
When Carthage, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, there are many things they can do to obtain the evidence needed to prosecute. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, testimony obtained in deceitful interrogations can still be presented in court. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and make sure that law enforcement respects:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with a warrant
- Your Fifth Amendment right to a fair trial
- Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
Perform an Investigation
A criminal attorney in Carthage, MO will conduct a meticulous investigation, equal to or surpassing that of the prosecution, in an attempt to discover physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to your cause. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was obtained, and if any of your rights were violated or if the state’s evidence is unlikely to be sufficient for a conviction.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Depending on the quality and amount of evidence the state has, different defense strategies might be applied. In some cases, we may advise to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges. We may request leniency because of mitigating circumstances. Other times we may be able to clear your name or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the state has not fulfilled the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt. Are witnesses unreliable? Was important evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll look into every detail of your case to persuade a jury they cannot ethically find you guilty you based on the evidence.
Give You Reliable Legal Counsel
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be forthright with you about the likely outcomes of your case and the best-case scenario given the evidence and charges against you. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes the realistic most favorable option can be accepting some of the charges. No matter what, we will recommend what we think is best for you and let you make the final decision.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Carthage, MO Takes
Your Carthage, MO criminal attorney has experience defending our clients’ rights in many different cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like homicide. Some of the charges we see most often are:
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- DWI/DUI
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Traffic Tickets
Whatever charges you’re facing in Carthage, MO, Combs Waterkotte is not here to pass judgment or reprimand you for past mistakes. We understand that nobody’s perfect all the time, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For sympathetic, dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation, get in touch with a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Carthage, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
It can be tempting to use a public defender at no cost, but the truth is you’ll have a better chance of success by enlisting the services of a private Carthage, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders often have enormous case loads. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System reported that Carthage, MO public defenders have two to three times the workload they should in order to provide an adequate defense. While there are excellent public defenders, they are human and the realities of their job may prevent them from devoting the best defense possible.
Another study found that prosecutors offer better deals when a private defense attorney is involved in order to avoid a lengthy trial. It also found that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys generally taking on more serious charges.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Carthage, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in Carthage, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-obligation consultation with no criticism, regardless of your level of guilt and the evidence against you. Our clients and their freedom matter to us. You’ll always speak directly to the attorney handling your case — not a paralegal. Whether you did nothing wrong or the evidence is stacked against you, we’ll fight hard to get the best outcome in your case. Call criminal attorney in Carthage, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can start working for you.
