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Criminal Attorney Montgomery County, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 14, 2022

Criminal attorney in Montgomery County, MO. When your future, your reputation, and your freedom are on the line in or around Montgomery County, MO, you need fearless defense from a team that knows how to win. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Montgomery County, MO criminal attorneys deliver hard-hitting representation rooted in strategy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to your rights. We’ve successfully defended clients in everything from misdemeanor traffic violations to high-stakes felonies, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, made a mistake, or are completely innocent, we’ll fight to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved in your favor. Call a trusted Montgomery County, MO criminal attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, fully confidential case review.


Article Summary

This in-depth page from Combs Waterkotte offers a powerful, client-centered look at navigating criminal charges in Montgomery County, MO, and highlights the critical role of choosing a capable legal team. From the outset, it emphasizes the life-changing consequences of a criminal accusation and the urgent need for knowledgeable, strategic defense. The article draws a clear contrast between private legal representation and the limitations of an overwhelmed public defender system, supported by recent state and national studies.

Read on to gain a clear understanding of how Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys defend against a wide range of criminal charges, including violent crimes, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, and juvenile cases. This piece breaks down the legal defense process step-by-step, from stopping charges early to investigating evidence, asserting constitutional rights, crafting defense strategies, and negotiating with prosecutors or going to trial.


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How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future

Combs Waterkotte has over 50 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.










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    Why Hiring a Criminal Attorney in Montgomery County, MO is Crucial

    When you’re facing criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are all on the line. While the U.S. leads the world in incarceration rates, that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. With an aggressive, strategic Montgomery County, MO criminal attorney by your side, you have a real chance to beat the odds.

    At Combs Waterkotte, we move fast, think sharp, and stand firm to protect our clients from conviction and harsh sentencing. When your freedom is at stake in or around Montgomery County, MO, we bring the full weight of our legal knowledge, resources, and courtroom experience and expertise to your defense.

    What to Expect From a Top Criminal Attorney in Montgomery County, MO

    The law gives you the right to a defense for a reason — because your freedom, future, and reputation are too important to leave to chance. A top-tier Montgomery County, MO criminal attorney from Combs Waterkotte is your first and strongest line of defense. Here’s how we protect you from day one:

    Stop Charges Before They’re Filed in Montgomery County, MO

    Being arrested doesn’t automatically mean charges will stick. If you act quickly in Montgomery County, MO, our team can intervene before formal charges are filed. We’ll meet with prosecutors, present critical evidence, and often succeed in getting charges dropped or significantly reduced at the earliest stages.

    Shield Your Rights from Day One

    Law enforcement is not obligated to protect your best interests. In fact, according to a Supreme Court ruling, police are legally allowed to lie during interrogations. That’s why our defense begins the moment you call us—ensuring no one violates your:

    Conduct a Thorough, Independent Investigation in Montgomery County, MO

    We don’t rely on the prosecution’s version of events. Our team builds a defense from the ground up in Montgomery County, MO, locating witnesses, securing physical evidence, and identifying any procedural missteps or constitutional violations that could be used to your advantage.

    Tailor a Smart, Strategic Defense

    {There’s no one-size-fits-all defense. We craft a legal approach that reflects the facts of your case, your goals, and your best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a reduced charge, fighting for acquittal, or making a strong case at trial. Every case is different, and your defense should be too. Whether we’re seeking to dismiss the charges, negotiate a plea, or present your case before a jury, we build a personalized strategy designed to protect your rights and future. If trial is the right path, we’ll be fully prepared. (See some of our common common defense strategies below for more insight.)

    Offer Clear, Strategic Legal Guidance in Montgomery County, MO

    We’re straight with you about where your case stands and what your options are. If a plea deal makes sense, we’ll explain why. If trial is the right move, we’ll be ready. At every point, you’ll have a clear, honest picture of what’s ahead, and an attorney ready to fight for you.

    Montgomery County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney | Felony & Misdemeanor Lawyers in Montgomery County, MO

    In addition to our leading Montgomery County, MO criminal attorney services, see below for other specialities in Montgomery County, MO:

    Cases a Combs Waterkotte Criminal Attorney in Montgomery County, MO Handles

    With over 10,000 cases just like yours under our belt, the criminal attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have the experience and tenacity to defend nearly every kind of charge in Montgomery County, MO. From misdemeanors and felonies to high-level federal crimes, we deliver powerful legal defense where and when you need it most:

    At the heart of our Montgomery County, MO defense strategy is a commitment to giving every client the focus, respect, and care they need. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, because your future deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution.

    Need a Criminal Attorney in Montgomery County, MO? | We’re Here to Help

    What to Do Right Away If You’re Charged With a Crime in Montgomery County, MO

    If you’re facing criminal allegations in Montgomery County, MO, every decision you make from this point forward matters. The legal system moves fast. Here’s how to protect yourself and your future starting today:

    • Step 1 — Stay Grounded and Avoid Panic:
      Being charged is overwhelming, but acting impulsively can do more harm than good. Stay calm, don’t argue with authorities, and avoid trying to “explain” anything.
    • Step 2 — Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent:
      Never speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. You have the constitutional right to remain silent—use it. Even seemingly harmless comments can be misinterpreted or used against you later.
    • Step 3 — Contact a Montgomery County, MO Criminal Attorney Right Away:
      The earlier you bring in experienced legal representation, the more options you have. Combs Waterkotte’s Montgomery County, MO criminal attorneys know how to intervene early, negotiate strategically, and protect your rights from the very start. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
    • Step 4 — Keep Your Montgomery County, MO Case Private:
      Talking about your situation, even with people you trust, can backfire. Anything said outside attorney-client privilege could potentially be used against you in court. Keep communications limited and confidential.
    • Step 5 — Understanding the Allegations Against You in Montgomery County, MO:
      Understanding what you’re being charged with is critical. We’ll walk you through the legal definitions, penalties, and how they apply to your specific situation.
    • Step 6 — Help Us Build a Defense That Works for You:
      Every case has its own facts, context, and challenges. We’ll listen closely, gather the right evidence, and build a defense strategy that aligns with your personal goals and the realities of your situation.

    Best Criminal Lawyer in Montgomery County, MO | Fight Charges, Protect Your Future

    Proven Defense Strategies Our Montgomery County, MO Criminal Attorneys Rely On

    Just because you’ve been charged with a crime doesn’t mean you’re guilty. In fact, the burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution, and they must convince a jury of your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully defended clients in Montgomery County and across Missouri by employing powerful, well-tested defense strategies tailored to each case. Here are some of the most common defenses our Montgomery County, MO criminal attorneys use:

    • Alibi We present evidence proving you were somewhere else when the alleged offense occurred, such as GPS records, surveillance footage, or credible witnesses, to establish it was physically impossible for you to have committed the crime.
    • Battered Spouse Syndrome Often used in Montgomery County, MO domestic violence cases, this defense shows you acted out of survival instinct after enduring prolonged abuse, helping jurors understand the psychological impact behind your actions.
    • Consent Especially relevant in sexual misconduct or physical altercation cases, this strategy demonstrates that the alleged victim willingly participated in the actions, undermining claims of unlawful conduct.
    • Self-Defense You have the legal right to protect yourself when facing imminent harm. If reasonable force was used to stop a threat, we’ll present the facts and context that justify your actions.
    • Defense of Others If you stepped in to shield another person from danger, we’ll use available evidence to show your actions were not only justified, but lawful under Missouri’s protection statutes.
    • Stand Your Ground This defense reinforces your right to stand firm in the face of a threat without retreat. We use your testimony, eyewitness reports, and other evidence to establish that your actions met the legal threshold for justified force.
    • Castle Doctrine Missouri’s Castle Doctrine affirms your right to use force when defending your home. If someone unlawfully entered your property, we’ll argue that your actions were entirely lawful and protected by statute.
    • Duress When you’re under the threat of immediate violence or coercion, the law acknowledges that your choices were not entirely your own. We present compelling evidence that you acted out of fear for your life or safety.
    • Lack of Criminal Intent Criminal charges often hinge on proving intent. If your actions were accidental, misinterpreted, or lacked the required mental state, we can push for dismissal or significantly reduced charges.
    • Entrapment
      When law enforcement crosses the line and pressures or tricks you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, it’s not justice, it’s entrapment. We’ll expose the setup.
    • Necessity Sometimes, breaking the law is the only way to prevent an even greater harm. We use this defense in emergency scenarios, arguing that your actions were both urgent and unavoidable.
    • Violation of Miranda Rights If police failed to properly inform you of your rights, it’s a constitutional issue, and it can suppress damaging evidence. We’ll challenge improper arrests and fight to exclude tainted statements.
    • Insanity or Mental Incapacity In rare but critical cases, we argue that you lacked the capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of your actions due to a diagnosed mental illness at the time of the offense.

    Public Defender or a Private Montgomery County, MO Criminal Attorney?

    If you’ve been charged with a crime, you have the right to a public defender. But the truth is, many public defenders in Montgomery County, MO are overloaded and underfunded. A comprehensive study confirmed that Missouri’s public defenders simply don’t have the bandwidth to provide the level of investigation, preparation, and advocacy that many cases require.

    Studies also show that defendants with private criminal attorneys are more likely to get reduced charges, better plea offers, and significantly shorter sentences, even in more serious cases. At Combs Waterkotte, we devote our full attention and client-centered approach to every single case in Montgomery County, MO and beyond.

    Call a Montgomery County, MO Criminal Attorney at Combs Waterkotte Today

    Criminal charges can turn your world upside down, but you don’t have to face them alone. A dedicated Montgomery County, MO criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte is ready to help you take back control. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message to schedule a judgment-free consultation. You’ll speak directly with a compassionate, battle-tested criminal attorney in Montgomery County, MO who will walk you through your options and start building a strong, strategic defense. We take your case personally, and we’re here to fight for your future.

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