Defense attorney in Rolla, MO. Being accused of a crime can feel like the walls are closing in. But you don’t have to face prosecutors alone. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide aggressive, results-driven defense for clients in Rolla and throughout Missouri. A knowledgeable defense attorney in Rolla, MO can protect your rights from day one, fight unfair evidence, and pursue the best possible resolution to your case.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, don’t wait until it’s too late. The prosecution is already building its case against you. Our team of experienced defense attorneys in Rolla, MO will immediately go to work to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP today or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Article Summary
Being arrested or investigated for a crime in Rolla, MO is stressful — but the right lawyer can make all the difference. This article breaks down what a skilled defense attorney in Rolla, MO does to defend your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and guide you through every step of the criminal justice process. From misdemeanors and traffic violations to serious felonies, Combs Waterkotte’s trial-ready team delivers strategic, personalized representation to help you achieve the best result possible.
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 …
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 …
The Role of Your Rolla, MO Defense Attorney
As your defense attorney in Rolla, MO, our team is your shield against the full power of the criminal justice system. Our job is to ensure that the police, prosecutors, and courts play by the rules and that your constitutional rights are protected at every stage, from the moment you’re accused to the final resolution of your case. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or federal charge, we fight to keep you out of jail and protect your future.
We leave no stone unturned in and around Rolla, MO. From investigating the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports to filing motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing for trial, we build a strong, evidence-based defense. Our commitment means you always have a fighter in your corner, someone who sees you as a person, not just a case file.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney in Rolla, MO?
Attempting to represent yourself or relying on an overworked public defender can leave you vulnerable to harsh penalties. An experienced Rolla, MO defense attorney gives you a fighting chance. Here’s what we do for you:
- Defend Your Constitutional Rights: We block illegally obtained evidence and challenge improper police conduct from day one.
- Thorough Case Investigation: Our Rolla, MO team investigates every detail to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence in your favor.
- Guide You Through the Legal System: From the first court appearance to trial, our experienced Rolla, MO defense attorney makes sure you know exactly what’s happening and what comes next.
- Provide Skilled Counsel: We translate legal jargon into plain English so you fully understand the risks and opportunities in your case.
- 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 trial is your best option, we build a strong case and defense strategy to create reasonable doubt and fight for an acquittal.
- Protect Your Future: We work to protect your job, family, and reputation, and can assist with record expungement or sealing where possible.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a relentless legal advocate on your side in Rolla, MO reduces fear and gives you control over your situation.
Criminal Cases We Handle in Rolla, MO
The attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend Rolla, MO clients against nearly every type of criminal allegation. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a life-changing felony, we have the courtroom experience, resources, and determination to protect your rights and fight for the best result:
Drug Crimes in Rolla, MO
Whether you’re facing possession, intent to distribute, or trafficking charges, we fight to get evidence suppressed, charges reduced, or sentencing alternatives like treatment programs approved in the Rolla, MO area.
DWI/DUI in Rolla, 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 Rolla, MO
Gun charges can carry severe penalties. We defend against accusations of unlawful possession, carrying without a permit, or using a weapon during a criminal act, protecting both your freedom and your Second Amendment rights.
Rolla, MO Violent Crimes
Being accused of assault, homicide, or armed robbery in Rolla, MO can put your freedom at risk for decades. Our team scrutinizes forensic reports, challenges unreliable witnesses, and builds powerful defenses like self-defense or mistaken identity to fight the state’s case.
Sex Crime Defense in Rolla, MO
Allegations of sexual assault, exploitation, or child pornography can destroy your reputation even before trial. We fight aggressively to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and avoid sex offender registration where possible.
Property & Financial Crime Defense in the Rolla, MO Area
From shoplifting to embezzlement or identity theft, we defend against property crimes that threaten your record, career, and future opportunities in the Rolla, MO area.
Criminal Case Timeline in Rolla, MO
The fear of the unknown is one of the hardest parts of being charged with a crime. At Combs Waterkotte, we break the process down into clear, manageable steps so you know exactly where your case stands and what comes next. Here’s a typical timeline for a Rolla, MO criminal case:
Step 1: Law Enforcement Investigation
Most cases start long before an arrest is made. Police or federal agents may collect evidence, question witnesses, and build a file against you. During this phase, early legal representation can make all the difference—sometimes resulting in charges being reduced or avoided altogether.
Step 2: Arrest & Processing
If police believe they have probable cause, they will arrest you. You’ll be transported to the local police department or jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and formally booked. This is often the most frightening step for clients, but having a skilled Rolla, MO defense attorney involved as soon as possible can ensure you don’t say anything that harms your defense.
Step 3: Bail & Release Options
After your arrest, you may be eligible for release while your case moves forward. The court will set bail based on the seriousness of the charges, your record, and your likelihood to appear at future hearings. Our Rolla, MO defense attorneys fight for affordable bail, recognizance release, or reduced bond conditions so you can go home and prepare your defense.
Step 4: First Court Appearance
The arraignment is your official first appearance in court. The judge reads the charges and asks for your plea. With Combs Waterkotte by your side in Rolla, MO, we’ll advise you on the best plea, protect your rights, and immediately begin building leverage for a dismissal, reduction, or strong defense strategy.
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: Strategic Pretrial Motions
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 Negotiations
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: Trial
If your Rolla, 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 & Mitigation
If you are convicted or plead guilty, the next step is sentencing. This is where mitigation matters, we present evidence of your good character, employment, family responsibilities, or rehabilitation efforts to persuade the judge to impose the lightest possible penalty.
Step 10: Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
A guilty verdict doesn’t have to be the end. Our Rolla, 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.
What This Means for You: Understanding the process helps you make informed decisions and stay one step ahead of the prosecution. The earlier you involve a Rolla, MO defense attorney, the more opportunities you have to shape the outcome in your favor.
Phelps County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Phelps 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 Combs Waterkotte Is the Right Choice for Your Case in Rolla, MO
Criminal charges can change your life in an instant—your lawyer should change it back. The Combs Waterkotte team delivers aggressive, hands-on defense designed to keep you out of jail and protect your future.
Here’s what sets us apart for clients facing serious charges in Rolla, MO:
- Dedicated to You: We treat your case like it’s the only one on our desk. You get personal attention, clear answers, and a strategy built for your life—not a cookie-cutter defense.
- Proven Trial Experience: Our Rolla, MO defense attorneys prepare as if a jury is waiting. This approach gives us maximum leverage in plea talks and makes us formidable in the courtroom.
- Access to Experts/Resources: We partner with investigators, expert witnesses, and use advanced technology to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Leverage in Negotiation: Because we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, prosecutors know they must take us seriously—often leading to better plea offers.
- Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself—dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sentences in some of the toughest cases in the Rolla, MO area.
- Knowledge of the Local System: We know the Rolla, MO courts, judges, and prosecutors. This insight allows us to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and craft the most effective strategies.
- Always Available in Rolla, MO: Legal emergencies can happen anytime. We provide around-the-clock support to protect you when it matters most.
Bottom Line: When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you get a Rolla, 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 partner with a Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in Rolla, MO, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Rolla, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Rolla, MO residents:
Frequently Asked Questions our Rolla, MO Defense Attorneys Hear
What should I consider when hiring a Rolla, MO defense attorney?
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 Rolla, MO defense attorney charge?
The cost of legal representation from a qualified Rolla, 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.
Is it possible to avoid jail time with a Rolla, MO defense attorney?
While no lawyer can promise a specific outcome, experienced attorneys like Combs Waterkotte can negotiate plea deals, argue for probation or diversion programs, and build strong defenses that may lead to acquittals or dismissals.
Take Action: Contact a Rolla, MO Defense Attorney Right Away
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, time is critical. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney in Rolla, 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 today or connect with us online to schedule your free, confidential case review and put an aggressive legal team on your side right away.
