Criminal attorney in West Plains, MO. No matter the nature of the charges brought against you, you have rights that are guaranteed by our constitution. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to doing everything possible to secure the best possible results for all of our West Plains, MO clients. We handle all severities of criminal cases from misdemeanor offenses to being charges with the death of another. Whether you’re accused of something you didn’t do, you got caught up in something you had nothing to do with or you simply did something you now regret, we will fight tenaciously for you and effectively protect your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in West Plains, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk consultation.
Anytime you’re facing a criminal charge, your number one fear is having your freedom put at risk. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to retain your freedom in West Plains, MO is with the help of a veteran and committed criminal attorney. We know that, regardless of the circumstances, the prospect of severe sentences and penalties is weighing heavily on you. Let us fight for you and get your charges lowered or thrown out and do everything possible to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Get in touch with a criminal attorney in West Plains, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.
How a Criminal Attorney in West Plains, MO Can Help
Criminal attorneys know the criminal defense system, the laws that guide them, how to talk to a prosecutor and how to defend you in front of a jury. Some of what we can help with are:
Delay or Stop Charges From Being Filed
After an arrest, a knowledgeable criminal attorney can often meet with a prosecutor or district attorney in West Plains, MO, explain how their evidence is lacking, and stop the charges from being filed or charge you with a less serious crime.
Defend Your Rights
When West Plains, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, they have a lot at their disposal to obtain the evidence needed for a conviction. According to a Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, evidence obtained in deceitful interrogations can still be presented in court. A criminal attorney will let you know what to say and what not to say and ensure law enforcement respects:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
- Your Fifth Amendment right to due process
- Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
Investigate Your Case
A criminal attorney in West Plains, MO will perform an aggressive and methodical investigation, often more in-depth than that of the detectives and prostitution, in an attempt to discover 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 there were any procedural errors or if the state’s case does not add up.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Different cases are best defended in different ways, depending on the severity of the alleged crimes and the evidence the state is trying to use to convict you. In some cases, we may recommend to accept a plea deal. We may make an argument in court that you should receive a lighter sentence because of special factors in your life and in the case. In other cases we may be able to clear your name or, if the case goes to trial, persuade 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 do everything possible to persuade a jury they cannot ethically convict with what was presented in court.
Give You Honest Legal Counsel
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be direct with you about the likely outcomes of your case and the best-case scenario given the evidence and charges against you. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes it may make the most sense for you, your family and your freedom to choose another strategy. 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 West Plains, MO Takes
Your West Plains, MO criminal attorney has experience offering the highest level of legal advocacy in many different cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges 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 the nature of what you’re accused of in West Plains, MO, Combs Waterkotte will remain non-judgmental and give you the representation you have a right to. We understand that nobody’s perfect all the time, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For empathetic, dedicated and expert legal representation, reach out to a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private West Plains, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
It can be tempting to use a public defender at no cost, but the truth is you’ll have a better chance of success by hiring a private West Plains, 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 West Plains, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to provide a good defense. While there are excellent public defenders, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may prevent them from devoting the best defense possible.
Another study found that the state is more likely to offer a favorable deal to a defendant with a private criminal attorney than one who has a public defender. It also found that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys often taking on more serious cases.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in West Plains, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in West Plains, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a free case evaluation that’s free of any judgment, regardless of how serious the allegations are. We sincerely care about all of our clients and about getting them the best result. You’ll have the cell phone number of the criminal attorney working on your case. Whether you’re innocent of the charges or the evidence is stacked against you, we’ll give you the devoted, relentless and passionate legal representation you are entitled to. Call criminal attorney in West Plains, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.
