Criminal lawyer in Joplin, MO. Are you confronting criminal charges in Joplin, MO or anywhere in Missouri and seeking an experienced and skilled legal team to protect your rights and advocate for your freedom? Search no further. The Combs Waterkotte team of knowledgeable criminal lawyers is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation tailored specifically to your distinct case.
If you’re grappling with criminal charges in Joplin, call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. Our lawyers will go over the specifics of your case and provide legal guidance regarding next steps. We recognize that good people find themselves in bad situations in Joplin, MO and throughout Missouri, and we will do whatever it takes to help.
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 …
Cases Our Joplin, MO Criminal Lawyer Takes
The Joplin, MO criminal defense attorneys on our team possess a track record of achieving favorable results for clients across a spectrum of cases. Our proficiency extends from addressing relatively minor misdemeanor infractions to handling the most severe charges like murder and homicide. Frequently encountered cases by our legal team in the Joplin, MO area encompass:
- Violent Crimes
- Felonies
- Theft/Larceny
- DWI/DUI
- Probation Violation
- Drug Charges
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes

How a Criminal Lawyer Can Help in the Joplin, MO Area
When facing legal challenges in Joplin, MO, a Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyer is your advocate, providing invaluable assistance in various aspects of your case:
Protect Your Rights
Law enforcement endeavors to gather evidence for convictions, and a criminal lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights throughout the process. Whether in Joplin, MO, or anywhere in Missouri, our legal team makes sure that law enforcement doesn’t overstep boundaries, protecting:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
- Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
- Your Sixth Amendment right to an attorney
Delay or Stop Charges From Being Filed
After an arrest, a skilled criminal lawyer can meet with the prosecution in Joplin, MO or elsewhere in Missouri. By presenting compelling evidence supporting your version of events, we aim to lessen the severity of charges, or, in some cases, prevent charges from being filed altogether. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation
Our criminal lawyer in Joplin, MO goes beyond law enforcement efforts, meticulously investigating your case. We strive to gather favorable physical evidence in Joplin, MO and locate witnesses who can support your position. Also, we scrutinize the methods used to collect any evidence against you, identifying any procedural errors or holes in the prosecution’s case.
Provide Informed Legal Counsel
At Combs Waterkotte, our criminal lawyers are dedicated to transparency and honesty. We provide candid insights into the potential outcomes of your case, considering the evidence and charges. Ultimately, we offer suggestions based on what we believe is in your best interest, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Our knowledgeable attorneys ensure that the residents of Joplin, MO receive complete, fair legal representation in any circumstance. Along with providing an award-winning criminal lawyer throughout the Joplin, MO area, our firm is experienced in may types of cases, like:

Why Opt For the Combs Waterkotte Team as Your Criminal Lawyers in Joplin, MO?
Legal representation is essential to ensure that your rights are safeguarded throughout the criminal justice process, regardless of the severity of your charges or where they took place in the Joplin, MO or surrounding areas. Our criminal defense team has:
- Proven Track Record: The Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyers boast a proven track record of successfully handling a wide range of criminal cases in Joplin, MO and across Missouri. We have secured favorable outcomes for our clients – from dismissals and reduced charges to acquittals. That is our mission, no matter the severity of your charges. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
- Legal Expertise: With over 40 years of combined experience in criminal defense, our lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of local laws and court procedures, both in municipalities throughout the Joplin, MO area and other jurisdictions throughout Missouri. We leverage this insight to construct robust defense strategies and navigate the intricacies of your case.
- Aggressive Defense: In situations where your freedom and future hang in the balance, you need a Joplin, MO legal team that will aggressively fight on your behalf. Our criminal lawyers are known for their tenacity, both in and out of the courtroom, challenging evidence, questioning witnesses, and fiercely advocating for your rights.
- Client-Centered Approach: Recognizing the uniqueness of each case in and around Joplin, MO, we prioritize listening to your perspective. Our client-centered approach makes sure that we tailor our legal strategies to your specific circumstances and objectives.
Jasper County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jasper County and Missouri.
What You Should Do If Charged With a Crime in Joplin, MO
If you’re charged with a crime in Joplin, MO or anywhere in Missouri, it’s vital to take immediate and strategic steps to protect your rights and construct a strong defense. Here are crucial steps to follow:
- Remain Calm – Maintain your composure and avoid impulsive decisions. Emotional reactions can complicate the legal process and potentially lead to more charges.
- Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent – Refrain from making any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you.
- Request a Criminal Defense Lawyer – Assert your right to legal representation. A recent study found that prosecutors are far more likely to offer favorable deals to individuals with private criminal lawyers than to those with public defenders. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP. Having legal representation in Joplin, MO is critical in navigating the criminal justice system.
- Avoid Self-Incrimination – Do not speak about the specifics of your case with anyone other than your criminal defense attorney. This includes conversations on social media, as statements made online can be used against you.
- Fully Comprehend Your Charges – Gain a concise understanding of the criminal charges against you. Your Joplin, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyer will elucidate the specific allegations, possible consequences, and the legal options available.
- Investigate Defense Strategies – We always listen to your side of the story. We want to work with you to explore potential defense strategies. These could involve challenging evidence, questioning procedures, or negotiating plea deals. We always have your best interests in mind.

Schedule a Consultation Now With an Award-Winning Joplin, MO Criminal Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
Embarking on the intricacies of the Joplin, MO legal system solo can be daunting. Bank on the Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyers to furnish you with the exacting and robust legal representation you require.
Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a a free, confidential consultation for your criminal charges in Joplin, MO.

