Criminal attorney in Sikeston, MO. No matter the nature of the charges brought against you, you have privileges that are guaranteed by our constitution. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to pursuing every legal option to get the most favorable results for those in need of criminal defense in Sikeston, MO. We work on all severities of criminal cases from minor traffic offenses to murder and homicide charges. Whether you’re accused of something you didn’t do, you got caught up in something you had nothing to do with or you just made a mistake, we will fight hard for you and passionately protect your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Sikeston, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Anytime you’re facing a criminal charge, the worst-case scenario is having your freedom put at risk. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in Sikeston, MO is with the legal counsel and advocacy of a knowledgeable and compassionate criminal attorney. We understand that, however you got here, facing criminal charges is a situation nobody wants to be in. Let us use our knowledge and skills to get your charges reduced or dismissed and pursue every option to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Get in touch with a criminal attorney in Sikeston, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
What a Criminal Attorney in Sikeston, 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 Formal Charges
After you’ve been detained, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Sikeston, MO, show them evidence that corroborates your side of the story, and stop the charges from being filed or only bring lesser charges.
Enforce Your Rights
When Sikeston, MO law enforcement believes someone committed a crime, there are many things they can do to acquire the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, evidence obtained in deceitful interrogations is still valid. A criminal attorney will let you know what to say and what not to say and make sure that law enforcement respects:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with probable cause
- Your Fifth Amendment right to a fair trial
- Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
Conduct an Investigation
A criminal attorney in Sikeston, MO will conduct a thorough investigation, often more detailed than that of the detectives and prostitution, so that we can uncover physical evidence and witnesses that will help get your charges reduced, dismissed, or help secure a not guilty verdict. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was obtained, and 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, different defense strategies might be applied. In some cases, we may recommend to work with the prosecution to make the sentencing less severe. We may advise making a verbal statement in court asking for leniency because of mitigating circumstances. Other times it might be possible to present evidence demonstrating your innocence or, if the case goes to trial, convince a jury that the state has not fulfilled the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt. Are witnesses unreliable? Was important evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll look into every detail of your case to persuade a jury they cannot morally find you guilty with what was presented in court.
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 reduced. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes the realistic most favorable option can be accepting some of the charges. No matter what, we’ll be by your side and defend you how based on the decision you make for yourself.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Sikeston, MO Takes
Your Sikeston, MO criminal attorney has experience offering the highest level of legal advocacy in a variety of cases, from Class D misdemeanors to Class A felonies 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 Sikeston, MO, Combs Waterkotte will be compassionate and defend you. We understand that situations get out of hand, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For empathetic, dedicated and tenacious legal representation, get in touch with a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Sikeston, 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 Sikeston, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders our overworked. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System reported that Sikeston, MO public defenders have two to three times the workload they should in order to provide a good defense. While there are qualified and meticulous criminal attorneys in the public defense system, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may mean they cannot devote 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 found that prison sentences is, on average, five years less with a private attorney, despite private attorneys usually taking on more serious cases.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Sikeston, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in Sikeston, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-risk case evaluation that’s free of any disapproval, 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 did nothing wrong or the evidence is stacked against you, we’ll fight hard to get the best outcome in your case. Call criminal attorney in Sikeston, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.