Criminal attorney in Washington County, MO. When you’re facing criminal charges in Washington County, MO, nothing is more important than having elite legal representation in your corner. At Combs Waterkotte, our skilled Washington County, MO criminal attorneys bring deep courtroom experience, sharp legal strategy, and relentless advocacy to every case we take. From misdemeanor offenses to complex felonies, we fight to protect your future at every step.
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 Washington County, MO criminal attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, 100% confidential case evaluation.
Article Summary
This in-depth page from Combs Waterkotte offers a powerful, client-centered look at navigating criminal charges in Washington 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.
Prospective clients will find detailed explanations of how Combs Waterkotte approaches a wide spectrum of charges — from DWI and violent crimes to sex offenses and juvenile matters. The page walks readers through every phase of the defense process, including early intervention, evidence review, constitutional protections, tailored defense planning, and courtroom strategy — all backed by the firm’s aggressive, trial-ready approach.
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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 …
Why Hiring a Criminal Attorney in Washington County, MO is Crucial
Anytime you’re facing criminal charges, your worst fear is becoming just another statistic in the justice system. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, but that doesn’t mean jail or prison is inevitable. With the right Washington County, MO criminal attorney in your corner, you can fight back.
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t wait for the prosecution to make the first move — we take the offensive. We act fast, investigate thoroughly, and leverage our deep trial experience and proven resources to protect your rights and secure your future. If you’ve been charged — or suspect you will be — in or near Washington County, MO, we’re the criminal defense team that knows how to fight and win.
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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County, MO
Being arrested doesn’t automatically mean charges will stick. If you act quickly in Washington 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.
Stand Between You and the System
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 Thorough Independent Investigation in Washington County, MO
We don’t accept the prosecution’s version at face value. Our team works from the ground up to find favorable evidence, question assumptions, and uncover facts the state may have missed, all to build a powerful defense on your behalf in Washington County, MO.
Build a Defense That Works for You
{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 Washington 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.
Washington County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Washington County and Missouri.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Washington County, MO:
Criminal Cases We Defend in Washington County, MO
Our Washington County, MO criminal attorney team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, a felony, or a federal indictment, we’ve got you covered throughout the Washington County, MO area:
- DWI/DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Murder/Homicide
- Juvenile Crimes
We don’t just take cases. We take on people’s lives, their reputations, and their futures. That’s why we handle every matter with urgency, empathy, and precision. You have a voice, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard.
What to Do Right Away If You’re Charged With a Crime in Washington County, MO
If you’re facing criminal allegations in Washington 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 Calm & Think Strategically:
It’s natural to feel panicked, but rash decisions or emotional outbursts can work against you. Keep your cool and focus on protecting yourself. - Step 2 — Use Your Right to Stay Silent:
Do not answer questions from police or investigators without an attorney present. Politely but firmly state that you’re invoking your right to remain silent. What you say can, and likely will, be used against you. - Step 3 — Demand Legal Representation Immediately:
You need an experienced advocate in your corner—immediately. Contact Combs Waterkotte’s criminal defense team in Washington County, MO at (314) 900-HELP or connect online to begin building your case. - Step 4 — Don’t Share Case Details With Others:
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 Washington County, MO. Silence is protection. - Step 5 — Know the Charges You’re Facing in Washington 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 — Partner With Us on Your Defense Strategy:
Your side of the story matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we take the time to listen and craft a defense tailored to the facts and your goals—whether that’s beating the charges, negotiating a favorable deal, or fighting for an acquittal in court.
Proven Defense Strategies Our Washington County, MO Criminal Attorneys Rely On
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 Washington 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 Washington 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 assault or sexual misconduct, we show that the alleged victim voluntarily agreed to the conduct in question. Demonstrating mutual participation can dismantle the foundation of the prosecution’s case.
- 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— If the prosecution cannot prove that you acted with the necessary mental state (intent, knowledge, or recklessness), we can argue for dismissal or reduction based on accident or misunderstanding.
- Entrapment—
When police go too far, it’s not law enforcement—it’s entrapment. If you were tricked into committing a crime by someone in power, we’ll make sure the court sees the setup and holds it accountable. - Necessity— Sometimes, doing the right thing means breaking the law. If your actions were taken in response to a genuine emergency or to prevent serious harm, we’ll argue that necessity justified your conduct.
- 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.
Choosing a private attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte means choosing experience, resources, and individualized attention. We take time to listen to your story, build a strategic defense, and pursue every possible advantage. With our client-centered approach, you’ll always know where your case stands—and you’ll never be alone in the fight for your future.
Your Washington County, MO Defense Starts with a Call to Combs Waterkotte
The sooner you get a skilled Washington County, MO criminal attorney involved, the stronger your defense will be. At Combs Waterkotte, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to fight. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-pressure, no-obligation consultation. You’ll speak directly with an experienced criminal attorney in Washington County, MO and gain immediate clarity on your rights and your legal options. Whether you’re facing your first charge or defending your future against serious allegations, we’re ready to stand between you and the government. Let us fight for you in Washington County, MO.
