Criminal attorney in Macon County, MO. No matter why you’re in this situation, you have rights that are guaranteed by our constitution. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is devoted to aggressively and relentlessly protecting your rights to get the most favorable results for those in need of criminal defense in Macon County, MO. We take on criminal cases ranging from credit card fraud to serious felony. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or you simply made a poor decision, we will fight tenaciously for you and effectively protect your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 has two million inmates. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in Macon County, MO is with the legal counsel and advocacy of an accomplished and dedicated criminal attorney. We understand that, regardless of the circumstances, facing criminal charges is a situation nobody wants to be in. We’ll work hard to get your charges lowered or thrown out and do everything possible to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Get in touch with a criminal attorney in Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Macon County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Macon County and Missouri.
How a Criminal Attorney in Macon County, 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 Charges From Being Filed
After an arrest, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Macon County, MO, show them evidence that demonstrates it is highly unlikely you committed the crime, and convince them to drop the charges or charge you with a less serious crime.
Enforce Your Rights
When Macon County, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, there are many things they can do to acquire the evidence needed for a conviction. According to a Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, police are even permitted to lie during interrogations. 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 illegal search and seizure
- Your Fifth Amendment right to a fair trial
- Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation
Perform an Investigation
A criminal attorney in Macon County, MO will carry out a meticulous investigation, equal to or eclipsing that of the prosecution, in an effort to find physical evidence and witnesses that are beneficial 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 there are holes in the state’s case.
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 a more lenient sentence because of mitigating circumstances. In other cases we may be able to prove you did not committed the crime or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt has not been met. Are witnesses unreliable? Was key evidence contaminated? Is there another legitimate suspect? We’ll do everything possible to persuade a jury they cannot ethically convict with what was presented in court.
Give You Honest Legal Advice
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be open with you about the potential 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. 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 Macon County, MO Takes
Your Macon County, MO criminal attorney has experience reducing, dismissing, and winning acquittals in many different cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like homicide. Some of the cases 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 alleged crime occurred in Macon County, MO, Combs Waterkotte knows that it does not define your character. We understand that situations get out of hand, or that often people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. For empathetic, devoted and tenacious legal representation, call a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Macon County, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
It can be tempting to use a public defender at no cost, but usually you’ll be best served by hiring a private Macon County, 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 reported that Macon County, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to come up with an adequate defense. While there are excellent criminal attorneys in the public defense system, 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 reported that the average prison term is five years shorter with a private criminal attorney, despite private attorneys usually taking on more serious cases.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Macon County, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in Macon County, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-risk case evaluation with no criticism, regardless of how serious the allegations are. Our clients and their freedom matter to us. You’ll always speak directly to the attorney handling your case — not a paralegal. 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 Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can start working for you.
