Criminal attorney in Ripley County, MO. No matter why you’re in this situation, you have rights that are guaranteed by the law of this country. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is devoted to doing everything possible to get the best possible results for those in need of criminal defense in Ripley County, MO. We take on all severities of criminal cases from misdemeanor offenses to Class A felonies. Whether you’re innocent, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or you simply did something you now regret, we will fight persistently for you and aggressively protect your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Ripley County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk case review.
Anytime you’re facing a criminal charge, the worst-case scenario is having your freedom put in jeopardy. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to retain your freedom in Ripley County, MO is with the dedicated representation of an experienced and dedicated criminal attorney. We understand that, regardless of the circumstances, you are likely stressed about how these charges may upend your life. We’ll work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed and negotiate with a prosecutor and judge or defend you in trial to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Call a criminal attorney in Ripley County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Ripley County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ripley County and Missouri.
What a Criminal Attorney in Ripley County, MO Can Do For You
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 you’ve been detained, a skilled criminal attorney can often meet with a prosecutor or district attorney in Ripley County, MO, explain how their evidence is lacking, and stop the charges from being filed or only bring lesser charges.
Enforce Your Rights
When Ripley County, MO law enforcement believes they have made a legitimate arrest, there are many things they can do to acquire the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, evidence obtained in deceitful interrogations is still valid. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and ensure law enforcement does not violate:
- 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 Ripley County, MO will perform a rigorous investigation, often more detailed than that of police, so that we can uncover physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to your cause. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was gathered, and if there were any procedural errors 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, we’ll work with you to develop the best defense strategy. In some cases, we may advise to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges. We may request a lighter sentence because of mitigating circumstances. Other times it might be possible to prove you did not committed the crime or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the standard beyond a reasonable doubt was not fulfilled by the prosecution. Are witnesses unreliable? Was much of evidence contaminated? Is there somebody else that may have committed the crime? We’ll explore every option to persuade a jury they cannot ethically return a guilty verdict with what was presented in court.
Provide You With Sound Legal Advice
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be open with you about the odds of success for different defense strategies. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes that may be the best decision to make. No matter what, the choice of how to approach your defense is in your hands.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Ripley County, MO Takes
Your Ripley County, MO criminal attorney has experience defending our clients’ rights in numerous cases, from traffic violations to Class A felonies like homicide. We have gotten great outcomes for our clients facing the following charges:
- 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 Ripley County, MO, Combs Waterkotte is not here to pass judgment or rebuke you for past mistakes. We understand that situations get out of hand, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For empathetic, committed and aggressive legal representation, reach out to a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Ripley 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 enlisting the services of a private Ripley County, 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 stated that Ripley County, MO public defenders often do not even have half the amount of time necessary to come up with a quality defense. While there are excellent public defenders, they are human and their high case loads 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 found that the average prison term is five years shorter with a private criminal attorney, despite private attorneys often taking on more serious cases.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Ripley County, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in Ripley County, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a free case review 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 give you the devoted, relentless and compassionate legal representation you are entitled to. Call criminal attorney in Ripley County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.