Criminal attorney in Shelby County, MO. When your future, your reputation, and your freedom are on the line in or around Shelby County, MO, you need fearless defense from a team that knows how to win. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Shelby 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.
Maybe it was a misunderstanding, a moment of poor judgment, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter what, we’ll build a defense designed to protect your freedom and your future. Call a dedicated Shelby County, MO criminal attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, 100% confidential case evaluation.
Article Summary
This detailed page from Combs Waterkotte breaks down what you need to know if you’re facing criminal charges in Shelby County, MO — and why your choice of defense lawyer can make or break your case. It sets the stage with the real-life impact of being charged and explains why having a proven, focused legal team in your corner is crucial. It also lays out the risks of relying on overworked public defenders, citing compelling legal research and Missouri-specific findings.
The article walks you step-by-step through the legal defense journey. You’ll learn how the attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight for clients — from blocking charges early, challenging unlawful police action, and gathering favorable evidence, to negotiating with prosecutors and preparing for trial if necessary. Whether you’re dealing with drug charges, assault, or a juvenile case, this page shows why Combs Waterkotte is trusted by clients across Shelby County, MO for tough, personalized defense.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Shelby County, MO Criminal Attorney: Combs Waterkotte
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 Shelby County, MO criminal attorney by your side, you have a real chance to beat the odds.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring relentless focus, deep experience and expertise , and powerful resources to every single case. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges in Shelby County, MO, our team is ready to fight back with the expertise and trial skill that earns results, not just promises.
Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 60 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.
Your Advocate, Strategist, and Shield: What a Shelby County, MO Criminal Attorney Does for You
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 Shelby County, MO criminal attorney from Combs Waterkotte is your first and strongest line of defense. Here’s how we protect you from day one:
Prevent Charges Before They’re Filed in Shelby County, MO
Being arrested doesn’t automatically mean charges will stick. If you act quickly in Shelby 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:
- Search & seizure protections under the Fourth Amendment
- Your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent
- Your right to legal counsel under the Sixth Amendment|Sixth Amendment right to have a lawyer present|Your Sixth Amendment right to counsel}
Launch a Deep, Unbiased Investigation in Shelby County, MO
We don’t rely on the prosecution’s account. Our Shelby County, MO criminal defense team initiates a rigorous investigation of our own—locating new witnesses, gathering physical evidence, and uncovering procedural errors or constitutional violations that could undermine the state’s case.
Build a Custom Legal Defense Strategy
{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. For examples, see below for some of our most common criminal defense strategies.)
Offer Honest, Empowering Legal Guidance in Shelby County, MO
We keep you fully informed and empowered throughout your case. While our goal is always dismissal or acquittal, we also advise you on plea options, sentencing alternatives, and long-term outcomes, all while remaining fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Shelby County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Shelby County and Missouri.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Shelby County, MO:
Criminal Cases We Defend in Shelby County, MO
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 Shelby County, MO. From misdemeanors and felonies to high-level federal crimes, we deliver powerful legal defense where and when you need it most:
- DWI/DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Murder/Homicide
- Juvenile Crimes
At the heart of our Shelby 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.
Key Actions to Take After a Criminal Charge in Shelby County, MO
If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with a crime in Shelby County, MO, the clock is ticking, and your future could depend on how quickly and carefully you act. Follow these essential steps to protect yourself and your case:
- Step 1 — Remain Level-Headed and Focused:
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 — Refuse to Speak Without a Lawyer:
Law enforcement is trained to get confessions. Simply state, “I want an attorney,” and say nothing else. This one step can safeguard your entire defense. - Step 3 — Call a Shelby County, MO Criminal Attorney Who’s Ready to Fight:
You need an experienced advocate in your corner—immediately. Contact Combs Waterkotte’s criminal defense team in Shelby County, MO at (314) 900-HELP or connect online to begin building your case. - Step 4 — Keep Your Shelby County, MO Case Private:
Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone, including friends, family, or on social media. Innocent remarks can be twisted or taken out of context by prosecutors in Shelby County, MO. Silence is protection. - Step 5 — Get Clarity on Your Legal Situation in Shelby County, MO:
Knowing exactly what you’re up against gives you power. We’ll break down each charge, what the law says, and what potential outcomes could look like—so you’re never in the dark. - Step 6 — Help Us Build a Defense That Works for You:
We believe in your story. Our team works with you to build a strategy that reflects your truth and objectives. Whether that’s dismissal, a favorable plea, or taking your case to trial, we’re with you every step of the way.
Effective Legal Defenses Our Shelby County, MO Criminal Attorneys Use
Facing criminal charges is frightening — but it’s important to remember that you’re presumed innocent unless the prosecution can prove otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. At Combs Waterkotte, our Shelby County, MO criminal defense attorneys develop custom legal strategies tailored to the circumstances of each case. Here are some of the impactful defenses we use to challenge charges and protect our clients:
- 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 Shelby 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— In cases involving allegations of assault or sexual misconduct, we demonstrate that the interaction was voluntary and consensual, directly contradicting the prosecution’s version of events and introducing critical doubt.
- 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— You are not obligated to retreat when lawfully present in a place and reasonably perceive a threat. This defense applies both at home and in public spaces, and we have a strong track record using it effectively.
- Castle Doctrine— You are legally protected when defending your home from intruders. We highlight any unlawful entry and establish that your defensive actions were both proportionate and covered by Missouri’s home-defense laws.
- Duress— We show that you were forced to commit the crime under the threat of serious harm or death. In these cases, we don’t deny the act — we explain why you had no reasonable choice.
- 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 your rights weren’t read during arrest or questioning, that’s a major violation—and we’ll fight to suppress any illegally obtained statements or confessions.
- Insanity or Mental Incapacity— When mental illness prevents someone from understanding the nature or consequences of their actions, the law recognizes that punishment isn’t justice. We work with experts to build a powerful mental health defense if appropriate.
Public Defender or a Private Shelby County, MO Criminal Attorney?
The law guarantees you access to a public defender—but when your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, that may not be enough. Public defenders in Shelby County, MO often handle overwhelming caseloads, limiting the time they can dedicate to your case. According to a Missouri study, the state’s public defense system is severely under-resourced, leaving little room for in-depth casework or personalized strategy.
Research shows that defendants represented by private counsel receive better outcomes, including lower charges, more favorable plea deals, and shorter sentences. At Combs Waterkotte, we take fewer cases so we can give yours the full attention it deserves. Our client-first model ensures you’re not just a case file—you’re our top priority.
Your Shelby County, MO Defense Starts with a Call to Combs Waterkotte
Every minute matters when you’re facing criminal charges. The earlier you involve a seasoned Shelby County, MO criminal attorney, the more opportunities we have to challenge the prosecution’s case. At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t waste time. We get to work. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. You’ll connect directly with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Shelby County, MO who will listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline a path forward. We know what’s at stake—and we’re prepared to fight relentlessly to protect your freedom.
