A criminal defense lawyer in Highland, IL is a legal advocate who defends individuals facing criminal charges in state courts, ensuring their rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
Charged with a crime or under investigation in Highland, IL? You need skilled, local defense on your side from day one. Combs Waterkotte‘s Highland, IL criminal defense lawyers offer experienced, strategic, and client-focused representation for clients in Highland and across Southern Illinois.
No matter the charge — whether it’s a DUI, a drug case, or a major felony — we’re here to fight for the best possible outcome.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
- What a criminal defense lawyer in Highland, IL does — and why hiring someone local matters
- The charges we most frequently defend: DUI, drug offenses, assault, and other serious crimes
- How we defend our clients using rapid response, fact-finding, and strong trial strategies
- What the criminal process looks like after an arrest — from booking through trial or plea deals
- What to look for in a criminal defense lawyer — and how Combs Waterkotte stands apart
- What to do right now if you’re facing criminal accusations — and how to protect yourself
Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 50 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.
Why Hire a Local Highland, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Local knowledge can make or break your case — and a Highland, IL criminal defense lawyer who understands the system gives you an edge. Southern Illinois courts each have their own prosecutors and personalities, and you need more than just legal knowledge to handle them — you need local insight.
These are just a few reasons a local criminal defense attorney is the right choice:
- We know the players. Every courthouse operates differently. We understand how individual judges approach cases and what local prosecutors consider during plea negotiations.
- We know the process. From diversion programs to local probation standards, we understand how things actually work in your county.
- We’re close by. We’re physically close — which means faster action when something urgent happens.
- We have a reputation. Combs Waterkotte is known and respected throughout Southern Illinois for strong advocacy, thorough preparation, and real results.
With a local defense lawyer, you’re not just hiring legal skill — you’re getting someone who knows how to navigate your courthouse.
What Criminal Charges Do We Defend in Highland, IL?
No two criminal cases are exactly alike, but every person is entitled to a fair trial and a strong defense. Combs Waterkotte’s Highland, IL criminal defense lawyers defend individuals across Southern Illinois who are charged with anything from misdemeanors to high-level felonies.
Some of the most common criminal charges we handle include:
- DUI: We defend clients against both first-time and repeat DUI charges, challenging test results and working to preserve your driving privileges.
- Drug Possession and Trafficking: We handle everything from first-time drug possession to complex trafficking cases — always aiming to protect your freedom and future.
- Assault and Battery: From bar fights to felonies, we defend assault and battery cases by exposing inconsistencies in evidence and asserting your right to a fair trial.
- Domestic Battery: These are some of the most sensitive charges we handle — and we approach them with care, strategy, and an eye on long-term consequences.
- Theft and Burglary: Whether it’s shoplifting, robbery, or breaking and entering, we work to get charges reduced or dismissed by challenging weak evidence.
- Weapons Charges: We defend clients accused of unlawful possession, concealed carry violations, or weapon enhancements tied to other charges.
- White Collar Crimes: When you’re facing allegations like financial theft or fraud, we act fast to contain the damage and build a detailed, strategic defense.
- Sex Offenses: We defend clients accused of sex crimes with urgency, discretion, and full awareness of what’s at stake.
- Juvenile Defense: We work to keep young clients out of the adult system and focused on rehabilitation, not punishment.
- Probation Violations: We challenge technical violations and advocate for solutions that don’t involve incarceration.
While it may feel like the world is against you, facing a criminal charge doesn’t automatically make you guilty — and you don’t have to face it alone. Our job is to help you regain control — by clarifying your options, protecting your rights, and preparing you for what comes next.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend Charges in Highland, IL
A strong defense doesn’t begin in the courtroom — it begins the moment you hire us. Our Highland, IL criminal defense lawyers leverage years of experience and local knowledge to plan, prepare, and protect you from day one.
Our strategy involves several key steps:
- Early Intervention: Timing matters. We get involved quickly to protect your rights, advise you before police questioning, and take steps to limit the damage before charges are even filed.
- Independent Investigation: Our team conducts its own investigation — reviewing police reports, questioning witnesses, and uncovering evidence that works in your favor.
- Pretrial Motions: We challenge unlawful searches, faulty warrants, and other procedural violations that could invalidate the case.
- Tactical Negotiation: We negotiate from a position of strength — backed by preparation, legal leverage, and a willingness to go to trial.
- Trial-Ready Representation: We don’t just show up to court — we arrive ready to win, with every detail accounted for.
- Client-Centered Advocacy: Your goals guide our strategy. We’re available 24/7, and we don’t charge by the hour — so you’re never alone or in the dark.
You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. Our Highland, IL team keeps you informed, prepared, and confident from start to finish.
What Happens After an Arrest in Highland, IL?
If you’ve never been arrested before, the experience can feel overwhelming and confusing. Knowing the steps ahead can help you avoid critical missteps and feel more confident in your next move.
Here’s a general overview of what typically happens after an arrest in Highland, IL:
- Booking: Once you’re arrested, you’re transported to the local jail for official booking procedures. You’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and formally charged as part of the booking process.
- Bond Hearing: Within a day or two, you’ll appear before a judge who will determine whether you can be released and under what conditions. We advocate aggressively for your release or for the lowest possible bond.
- Arraignment: Your arraignment marks the beginning of the court process. The judge will read the charges against you, and you’ll enter a plea. We ensure you’re prepared, protected, and understand every step of the process.
- Discovery and Pretrial Motions: This is where we begin building your defense. We request all the prosecution’s evidence, challenge weak or illegally obtained evidence, and file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Plea or Trial: Depending on the strength of the evidence and your goals, we may negotiate for a favorable plea deal or proceed to trial. Whatever direction your case takes, we provide strong guidance and skilled advocacy.
When should you hire a lawyer?
As soon as possible. Early involvement means more opportunities to protect your rights and shape the case in your favor.
Can charges be dropped before trial?
In many situations, yes. In many cases, charges can be dismissed or reduced through effective pretrial motions, lack of evidence, or successful negotiation. We review every detail to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
How to Choose the Right Highland, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer
The lawyer you choose can make a massive difference in how your case plays out — and how your life looks afterward. So how do you decide which attorney is best for you?
What should you prioritize when selecting a criminal lawyer in Highland, IL?
- Local Experience: Familiarity with the local legal system means your lawyer can anticipate challenges and adapt your defense accordingly.
- Track Record of Results: Ask about outcomes in cases like yours. Dismissals, reduced charges, and not-guilty verdicts are all signs you’re working with a proven advocate.
- Responsive Communication: Communication is key — you deserve a lawyer who is clear, responsive, and keeps you informed at all times.
- Trial Readiness: Many criminal cases don’t go to trial — but yours might. Your lawyer should be prepared to fight for you in the courtroom if that’s what it takes.
- Client-Focused Approach: A strong defense starts with understanding you — your background, your goals, and your side of the story.
Our defense lawyers in Highland, IL are committed to standing with you and fighting for your future. We’re here to defend your future and help you move forward with confidence.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Talk to a Highland, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you’re facing criminal charges — or even just being investigated — the decisions you make right now could shape the rest of your life. You need a criminal defense lawyer in Highland, IL who knows the local courts, understands the stakes, and is ready to fight for you from the very first conversation.
Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll talk through your situation, outline your next steps, and start developing a defense strategy that works for you.
