Columbia, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on June 14, 2022

Criminal Attorney Columbia, MO

Criminal attorney in Columbia, MO. Regardless of the nature of the charges brought against you, you have privileges that are guaranteed by our constitution. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to doing everything possible to get the most favorable results for those in need of criminal defense in Columbia, MO. We take on criminal cases ranging from minor traffic offenses to murder and homicide charges. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or you just made a mistake, we will fight tenaciously for you and aggressively defend your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk case evaluation.

If you’ve been charged with a a felony or misdemeanor, the worst-case scenario is losing your freedom and being incarcerated. The United States has more inmates per capita than any other country. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in Columbia, MO is with the dedicated representation of an accomplished and compassionate criminal attorney. We know that, regardless of the circumstances, you are likely apprehensive about how these charges may alter your life. Let us fight for you and get your charges reduced or thrown out and pursue every option to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Reach out to a criminal attorney in Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.

Boone County Resources

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

How a Criminal Attorney in Columbia, 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 an arrest, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Columbia, 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.

Enforce Your Rights

When Columbia, MO law enforcement believes they have made a legitimate arrest, they have a lot at their disposal to acquire the evidence needed to prosecute. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, police are even allowed to lie during interrogations. A criminal attorney will let you know what to say and what not to say and ensure law enforcement does not violate:

Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with probable cause
Your Fifth Amendment right to due process
Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation

Carry Out an Investigation

A criminal attorney in Columbia, MO will perform a meticulous investigation, often more in-depth than that of the prosecution, so that we can find physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to you. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was gathered, and if there were any procedural errors 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 against you, we’ll work with you to develop the best defense strategy. In some cases, we may recommend to work with the court to mitigate the sentencing. We may request leniency because of special factors in your life and in the case. Other times it might be possible to prove you did not committed the crime or, if we proceed to trial, convince a jury that the state has not fulfilled the burden of proof of 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 look into every detail of your case to persuade a jury they cannot ethically return a guilty verdict with what was presented in court.

Give You Reliable Legal Advice

A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be sincere with you about your chances of acquittal or getting the charges dismissed. We understand you’d like to be acquitted. Still, sometimes it may make the most sense for you, your family and your freedom to choose another strategy. 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 Columbia, MO Takes

Your Columbia, MO criminal attorney has experience reducing, dismissing, and winning acquittals in many different cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like murder. Some of the charges we see most often are:

Whatever the nature of what you’re accused of in Columbia, MO, Combs Waterkotte knows that it does not define your character. We understand that our emotions can get the best of us, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For sympathetic, devoted and expert legal representation, reach out to a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP.

Public Defender or a Private Columbia, 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 hiring a private Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to come up with a quality defense. While there are qualified and diligent public defenders, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may mean they cannot devote as much time necessary to your case.

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 incarceration is, on average, five years less with a private attorney, despite private attorneys generally taking on more serious cases.

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

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

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

When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a free case evaluation with no criticism, no matter what the nature of your charges. 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’re innocent of the charges or did something you regret, we’ll fight hard to get the best outcome in your case. Call criminal attorney in Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.