Clayton, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on June 14, 2022

Criminal Attorney Clayton, MO

Criminal attorney in Clayton, MO. No matter 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 get the best possible results for those in need of criminal defense in Clayton, MO. We take on all severities of criminal cases from petty offenses to serious felony. Whether you’re accused of something you didn’t do, a situation was outside of your control or you simply made a mistake, we will fight tenaciously for you and effectively defend your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Clayton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

Anytime you’re dealing with the prospect of a criminal charge, the worst-case scenario is having your freedom put at risk. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to avoid incarceration in Clayton, MO is with the aid of an experienced and compassionate criminal attorney. We understand that, regardless of the circumstances, the prospect of the consequences of these charges is weighing heavily on you. We’ll work hard to get your charges lowered or dismissed and pursue every option to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Reach out to a criminal attorney in Clayton, 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.

What a Criminal Attorney in Clayton, MO Can Do For You

Criminal attorneys know the criminal defense 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 criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Clayton, MO, show them evidence that demonstrates it is highly unlikely you committed the crime, and stop the charges from being filed or charge you with a less serious crime.

Defend Your Rights

When Clayton, 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 Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, testimony 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 abides by:

Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with a warrant
Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer

Investigate Your Case

A criminal attorney in Clayton, MO will conduct a thorough investigation, often more detailed than that of law enforcement’s, so that we can find physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to your cause. We’ll also be critical of the state’s investigation, and see if there were any procedural errors or if the state’s evidence is unlikely to be sufficient for a conviction.

Develop a Defense Strategy

Different cases are best defended in different ways, depending on the nature of the charges and the evidence the state is trying to use to convict you. In some cases, it may be best to accept a plea deal. We may make an argument in court that you should receive a more lenient sentence because of special factors in your life and in the case. Other times we may be able to present evidence demonstrating your innocence or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the standard beyond a reasonable doubt has not been met. 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 morally convict you based on the evidence.

Give You Trustworthy Legal Counsel

A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be open with you about your chances of acquittal or getting the charges dismissed. We understand you’d like to be acquitted. Still, sometimes that may be the best decision to make. 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 Clayton, MO Takes

Your Clayton, MO criminal attorney has experience getting positive client outcomes in numerous cases, from unclassified misdemeanors to Class A felonies like murder. We have gotten great outcomes for our clients facing the following charges:

Whatever charges you’re facing in Clayton, MO, Combs Waterkotte is not here to pass judgment or rebuke you for poor decisions. We understand that situations get out of hand, or that often people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. 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 Clayton, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?

The option of a free public defender can be attractive, but usually you’ll be best served by enlisting the services of a private Clayton, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders our overworked. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System stated that Clayton, MO public defenders have two to three times the workload they should in order to provide a quality 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 prosecutors offer better deals when a private defense attorney is involved in order to avoid a lengthy trial. It also stated that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys generally taking on more serious cases.

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

Criminal Attorney Clayton, MO | Criminal Justice | Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Clayton

Call a Criminal Attorney in Clayton, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte

When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-obligation case evaluation with no disapproval, no matter what how serious the allegations are. 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 didn’t do what you were accused of or the evidence is stacked against you, we’ll fight hard to get the best outcome in your case. Call criminal attorney in Clayton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.