Criminal lawyer in West Plains, MO. Are you facing criminal allegations in West Plains, MO or elsewhere in Missouri and in need of a proficient legal team to safeguard your rights and fight for your freedom? Look 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 West Plains, give us a call promptly at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our legal experts will delve into the specifics of your case and provide legal guidance regarding next steps. We understand that good people find themselves in bad situations in West Plains, MO and throughout Missouri, and we are resolute in doing everything in our power to assist.
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 West Plains, MO Criminal Lawyer Takes
The West Plains, 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 such as murder and homicide. Some of the cases we see most often in the West Plains, MO area include:
- 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 West Plains, MO Area
A Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyer can help your West Plains, MO case in the following ways:
Safeguard Your Rights
Law enforcement goes to great lengths to obtain the evidence needed for a conviction, no matter the situation. After all, if they don’t have a “criminal,” they don’t have a crime. A criminal lawyer will stand by your side and make sure law enforcement in West Plains, MO or elsewhere in Missouri does not violate:
- 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 engage with the prosecution in West Plains, MO or anywhere in Missouri, show them evidence that corroborates your side of the story, and reduce the severity of the charges or even stop the charges from being filed. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Thoroughly Investigate Your Case
Our West Plains, MO criminal lawyer goes beyond law enforcement efforts, meticulously investigating your case. We strive to gather favorable physical evidence in West Plains, MO and locate witnesses who can support your position. Additionally, we scrutinize the methods used to collect any evidence against you, identifying any procedural errors or holes in the prosecution’s case.
Offer Expert Legal Counsel
At Combs Waterkotte, our criminal lawyers are committed to transparency and honesty. We provide candid insights into the potential outcomes of your case, considering the evidence and charges. Ultimately, we offer recommendations based on what we believe is in your best interest, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Our knowledgeable attorneys ensure that the residents of West Plains, MO receive complete, effective legal representation in any situation. Along with providing an award-winning criminal lawyer throughout the West Plains, MO area, our firm is experienced in may types of cases, such as:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Why Opt For the Combs Waterkotte Team as Your Criminal Lawyers in West Plains, MO?
Legal representation is essential to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process, no matter the severity of your charges or where they took place in the West Plains, MO or surrounding areas. Our criminal defense team has:
- Proven Track Record: Combs Waterkotte’s criminal defense lawyers have a demonstrated history of successfully managing diverse criminal cases throughout the West Plains, MO area. We have secured favorable outcomes for our clients – from dismissals and reduced charges to acquittals. Regardless of the severity of your charges, our mission is to deliver favorable outcomes. Give us a call right away 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 extensive knowledge of local laws and court procedures, both in municipalities throughout the West Plains, MO area and other jurisdictions throughout Missouri. We leverage this insight to construct robust defense strategies and navigate the complexities of your case.
- Aggressive Defense: When your freedom and future are at stake, you need a West Plains, MO legal team that will aggressively fight on your behalf. Our criminal lawyers are known for their tenacity, both inside and outside the courtroom. This involves challenging evidence, questioning witnesses, and advocating aggressively for your rights.
- Client-Centered Approach: Recognizing the uniqueness of each case in and around West Plains, MO, we prioritize listening to your perspective. Our client-centered approach ensures that we tailor our legal strategies to your specific circumstances and objectives.
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.
What You Should Do If Charged With a Crime in West Plains, MO
If you’re charged with a crime in West Plains, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, it is vital to take immediate and strategic steps to protect your rights and construct a strong defense. Here are crucial steps to follow:
- Stay Calm – Stay composed and avoid making impulsive decisions. Emotional reactions can complicate the legal process and possibly lead to additional charges.
- Exercise 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 – and will be – used against you.
- Request a Criminal Defense Lawyer – Assert your right to legal representation. According to recent studies prosecutors are more likely to offer favorable deals to individuals with private criminal lawyers than to those with public defenders. Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. Having legal representation in West Plains, MO is critical in navigating the criminal justice system.
- Stay Away From 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 also be used against you.
- Completely Understand Your Charges – Gain a clear understanding of the criminal charges lodged against you. Your West Plains, MO Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyer will explain the specific allegations, possible consequences, and the legal options available.
- Investigate Defense Strategies – We consistently lend an ear 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 West Plains, MO Criminal Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte
Don’t navigate the complexities of the local West Plains, MO legal system alone. The Combs Waterkotte criminal lawyers are ready to provide the precise, strong legal representation you need.
Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a a free, confidential case review for your criminal charges in West Plains, MO.

