Criminal Attorney Columbia, MO
Criminal attorney in Columbia, MO. Regardless of why you’re in this situation, you have the same privileges as everyone else in the United States. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to doing everything possible to get the best possible results for all of our Columbia, MO clients. We handle criminal cases ranging from credit card fraud to Class A felonies. Whether you’re innocent, you got caught up in something you had nothing to do with or you just did something you now regret, we will fight hard for you and passionately protect 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 review.
Anytime you’re dealing with the prospect of a criminal charge, the first thing on your mind 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 Columbia, MO is with the legal counsel and advocacy of an accomplished and aggressive criminal attorney. We understand that, whatever reason you are in this situation, the prospect of the consequences of these charges is weighing heavily on you. We’ll work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed and do everything possible to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Contact 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.
What a Criminal Attorney in Columbia, 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 you’ve been detained, 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 reduce the severity of the charges.
Enforce Your Rights
When Columbia, MO law enforcement believes someone committed a crime, there are many things they can do to obtain the evidence needed for a conviction. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, a “confession” obtained in deceitful interrogations is still valid. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and ensure law enforcement does not infringe on:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
- Your Fifth Amendment right to a fair trial
- Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation
Investigate Your Case
A criminal attorney in Columbia, MO will conduct a thorough investigation, equal to or surpassing that of law enforcement’s, so that we can uncover physical evidence and witnesses that are beneficial to you. We’ll also examine the state’s investigation, and see if any of your rights were violated or if the state’s case does not add up.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Depending on the quality and amount of evidence the state has, we’ll work with you to develop the best defense strategy. In some cases, it may be best to work with the prosecution to make the sentencing less severe. We may request a more lenient sentence because of mitigating circumstances. In other cases we may be able to prove you could not have committed the crime or, if the case goes to trial, convince a jury that there is not enough evidence to convict you beyond a reasonable doubt. Are witnesses unreliable? Was important evidence contaminated? Is there somebody else that may have committed the crime? We’ll do everything possible to persuade a jury they cannot ethically return a guilty verdict you based on the evidence.
Provide You With Dependable Legal Advice
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be forthright 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, the choice of how to approach your defense is in your hands.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Columbia, MO Takes
Your Columbia, MO criminal attorney has experience defending our clients’ rights in numerous cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like murder. 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 Columbia, MO, Combs Waterkotte will remain non-judgmental and give you the representation you have a right to. 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 sympathetic, dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation, call a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Columbia, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
The option of a free public defender can be attractive, 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 have two to three times the workload they should in order to come up with an adequate defense. While there are great public defenders, they are human and the realities of their job may keep 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 often taking on more serious charges.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Columbia, MO:
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call a Criminal Attorney in Columbia, 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’re innocent of the charges or did something you regret, we’ll give you the devoted, tenacious and empathetic legal representation you are entitled to. 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.