Defense attorney in Lexington, MO. The moments after an arrest or criminal accusation are critical. Fear and uncertainty are normal, but inaction can cost you your freedom and future. With an experienced Lexington, MO defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte on your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the prosecution, protect your rights, and fight for your best outcome, in and out of court.
Act fast to protect yourself in Lexington, MO. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to defend you. Whether you’re being investigated, recently arrested, or facing formal charges, our team will step in to protect your future. Call (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule your free, confidential case review today.
Article Summary
Being charged with a crime in Lexington, MO can feel overwhelming. But, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. This page explains the critical role a skilled Lexington, MO defense attorney plays in protecting your rights, minimizing the consequences, and guiding you through every stage of the criminal process. We covered the types of charges Combs Waterkotte handles, from drug offenses and DWIs to violent crimes and white-collar cases, as well as the steps involved from arrest to trial. Our team brings decades of combined experience, a client-centered approach, and proven courtroom success to every case we take. Whether your goal is dismissal, reduced charges, or an acquittal, we fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome. If you are facing criminal charges in Lexington, MO, now is the time to act.
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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 …
What Your Lexington, MO Defense Attorney Does
When you hire a defense attorney in Lexington, MO, you put a dedicated legal team between you and the prosecution. Our mission is simple: safeguard your rights and make sure the police, prosecutors, and courts follow the law. From the first accusation to the final verdict, we work to shield you from jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, no matter if you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or federal case.
Our work goes far beyond showing up to court in the Lexington, MO area. We dig deep into the evidence, talk to witnesses, bring in experts, and build a case designed to give you the strongest possible position. This trial-ready approach allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, fight for dismissals, and minimize penalties whenever possible. To us, your case is personal, because we know how much is at stake for you and your family.
Why Hire a Defense Attorney in Lexington, MO?
Facing criminal charges without professional legal help is a gamble you can’t afford to take. A seasoned Lexington, MO defense lawyer is your strongest ally, protecting your rights and giving you a clear plan for the road ahead. Here’s why it matters:
- Shield Your Rights: We fight to throw out illegally obtained evidence and hold police accountable for unlawful searches or interrogations.
- Thorough Case Investigation: We look for every possible defense by interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and uncovering hidden evidence that helps your case.
- Guide You Through the Legal System: From the first court appearance to trial, our experienced Lexington, MO defense attorney makes sure you know exactly what’s happening and what comes next.
- Give You Clarity: You get clear explanations of the charges, potential penalties, and available defenses so you can make informed decisions.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: From reduced charges to probation or dismissal, we work for resolutions that minimize the impact on your life.
- Litigate Aggressively When Needed: If your case goes before a judge or jury, we are ready to present a strong defense strategy and fight for your freedom.
- Protect Your Future: We help you avoid consequences that can harm your career, family, and reputation for years to come.
- Relieve Your Stress: Having a knowledgeable Lexington, MO lawyer on your side gives you confidence and lets you focus on moving forward with your life.
Criminal Cases We Handle in Lexington, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we handle virtually every type of criminal case. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or serious felony, we have the experience and resources to defend you effectively in Lexington, MO:
Lexington, MO Drug Charges
From simple possession to trafficking, we challenge illegal searches, fight to suppress evidence, and pursue reduced charges or alternative sentencing programs like drug court in the Lexington, MO area.
DWI/DUI in Lexington, MO
A DWI conviction can cost you your license, your job, and even your freedom. We investigate traffic stops, breathalyzer accuracy, and police procedures to protect your rights and your ability to drive.
Gun & Weapons Charges in the Lexington, MO Area
Weapons charges require a strategic defense. We handle cases involving unlawful possession, brandishing, concealed carry violations, and allegations of using a firearm during a crime.
Lexington, MO Violent Crimes
Charges like assault, homicide, and robbery carry severe penalties. We analyze witness credibility, forensic evidence, and self-defense claims to protect your freedom.
Sexual Offense Defense in Lexington, MO
Sex crime allegations—including sexual assault and child pornography charges—can ruin your life before you ever see a courtroom. Our Lexington, MO defense attorneys act quickly to protect your name, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work toward the most favorable outcome.
Property & Financial Crime Defense in the Lexington, MO Area
From shoplifting to embezzlement or identity theft, we defend against property crimes that threaten your record, career, and future opportunities in the Lexington, MO area.
Understanding the Criminal Process in Lexington, MO
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. At Combs Waterkotte, we guide you step by step through the process so you can make informed decisions and stay ahead of the prosecution. Here’s how a typical case unfolds in Lexington, MO:
Step 1: Investigation
Law enforcement in Lexington, MO often begins building a case quietly—interviewing witnesses, reviewing records, or monitoring activity. In federal matters, investigations can be extensive and take months or even years. We intervene early when possible, protecting your rights and working to prevent formal charges from being filed.
Step 2: Arrest & Booking
When authorities believe they have enough evidence, they will make an arrest. You’ll be taken into custody, fingerprinted, and booked into the local system. Having an experienced Lexington, MO defense lawyer at this point is crucial to avoid making statements that prosecutors can later use against you.
Step 3: Bail & Release
In many cases, you have the right to post bail to secure your release until trial. The judge sets the amount based on the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. We can argue for reduced bail, personal recognizance release, or favorable bond conditions so you can return home and continue working while your case moves forward.
Step 4: First Court Appearance
Your arraignment is the moment the court officially puts you on record. We handle this crucial step for you—entering the appropriate plea, preventing missteps, and positioning your case for dismissal or negotiation from day one.
Step 5: Evidence Review & Discovery
This stage gives us access to the government’s case against you, including police reports, videos, and witness statements. We comb through every detail, identifying weak points, illegal searches, or procedural errors we can use to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Step 6: Pretrial Motions & Hearings
Pretrial motions can make or break a case. We may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, exclude witness testimony, or even dismiss charges entirely if your constitutional rights were violated. Winning pretrial motions can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, sometimes resulting in a full dismissal before trial.
Step 7: Plea Bargaining
If going to trial is not in your best interest, we work to secure the best possible deal through plea negotiations—reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs. Prosecutors know we are ready for trial, which often leads to stronger negotiating power on your behalf.
Step 8: Taking Your Case to Trial
If your Lexington, MO case proceeds to trial, we bring a trial-tested approach—questioning the prosecution’s witnesses, presenting evidence, and arguing to create reasonable doubt. Our goal is to secure a not-guilty verdict or minimize consequences as much as possible.
Step 9: Sentencing
When a conviction or guilty plea leads to sentencing, how you present yourself matters. We gather letters of support, evidence of your work history, community involvement, and rehabilitation efforts to convince the judge you deserve the most lenient sentence possible.
Step 10: Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
A guilty verdict doesn’t have to be the end. Our Lexington, MO defense team pursues appeals, post-conviction motions, and expungements when available, giving you a second chance and working to clear your name whenever possible.
Key Takeaway: Understanding the process helps you make informed decisions and stay one step ahead of the prosecution. The earlier you involve a Lexington, MO defense attorney, the more opportunities you have to shape the outcome in your favor.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
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 and Southern Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte to Defend You in Lexington, MO?
When criminal charges threaten your freedom and your future, the attorney you choose matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we’re more than just lawyers, we’re committed allies who fight to protect you from day one until the last step of your case is resolved.
Here’s what sets us apart for clients facing serious charges in Lexington, MO:
- Personalized Representation: We take the time to hear your side, explain the law clearly, and design a legal strategy that reflects your priorities and goals.
- Relentless Trial Preparation: Our Lexington, MO attorneys are in court regularly and have earned a reputation as fearless litigators who won’t hesitate to take a case to trial if it’s in your best interest.
- Powerful Legal Resources: From investigators and forensic experts to cutting-edge technology, we bring every resource necessary to level the playing field against the government.
- Negotiation Power: Because prosecutors know we are trial-ready, we have leverage to secure better plea deals, charge reductions, and alternative sentencing options.
- Proven Success: Our track record speaks for itself—dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sentences in some of the toughest cases in the Lexington, MO area.
- Local Court Insight: We know the judges, prosecutors, and unique procedures in Lexington courtrooms, which gives us an edge when building your defense.
- 24/7 Emergency Access in Lexington, MO: When the police show up or charges hit unexpectedly, we’re available—day or night—to protect your rights immediately.
Bottom Line: When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you get a Lexington, MO defense team that fights as hard for your case as they would for their own family. Call (314) 900-HELP now or request a free consultation and put our experience to work for you today.
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in the Lexington, MO area, you aren’t just selecting a leading defense attorney in Lexington, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with skilled defense attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Lexington, MO residents:
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plan
- Assault Defense Lawyer
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions From Our Defense Attorneys in Lexington, MO
How do I choose the best defense attorney in Lexington, MO?
Look for a lawyer with proven success in cases like yours, who communicates openly and respects your goals. The right attorney should guide you through the process and fight relentlessly for your rights from day one.
How much will a Lexington, MO defense attorney charge?
The cost of legal representation from a qualified Lexington, MO criminal defense attorney depends on a number of factors, such as the complexity of your case, the attorney’s level of experience, and whether it goes to trial. We offer transparent fee structures and start with a free consultation so you can make an informed decision about your legal representation.
Can a defense attorney keep me out of jail?
In many cases, yes. Our legal team works to minimize the risk of incarceration by seeking dismissals, negotiating for probation, or using diversion programs where available, always with the goal of protecting your future.
Speak With a Lexington, MO Defense Attorney Now
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, time is critical. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney in Lexington, MO, the more options you have to protect your freedom. At Combs Waterkotte, we are relentless advocates for our clients, standing by your side from day one until your case is resolved.
Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online now for a free consultation. Let Combs Waterkotte give you the defense, support, and peace of mind you need to move forward.
