Defense attorney in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, 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.
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 Shelby County, 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
Criminal charges in Shelby County, MO can turn your life upside down, but with the right representation, you can regain control. This page explores how an experienced Shelby County, MO defense lawyer can guide you through the process, from arrest to trial. We cover the wide range of charges we defend—from DWI/DUI and drug crimes to theft, assault, and serious felonies—as well as how we fight to minimize penalties. With decades of combined courtroom experience and a client-first approach, Combs Waterkotte is the team you want on your side when your freedom is at stake.
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 Shelby County, MO Defense Attorney
As your defense attorney in Shelby County, 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.
Our work goes far beyond showing up to court in the Shelby County, 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 You Need a Defense Attorney in Shelby County, MO?
Facing criminal charges without professional legal help is a gamble you can’t afford to take. A seasoned Shelby County, 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.
- Dig Deep for the Truth: Our Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO defense attorney makes sure you know exactly what’s happening and what comes next.
- Give You Clarity: 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 your case goes to trial, we build a strong defense strategy designed to create reasonable doubt and win an acquittal.
- Reduce the Fallout: We work to protect your job, family, and reputation, and can assist with record expungement or sealing where possible.
- Provide Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a relentless legal advocate on your side in Shelby County, MO reduces fear and gives you control over your situation.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Shelby County, MO
The attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend Shelby County, 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:
Shelby County, MO Drug Charges
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 Shelby County, MO area.
DWI/DUI in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO Area
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.
Defense for Violent Crime Charges in Shelby County, MO
Facing charges like assault, murder, or robbery in Shelby County, MO can mean years behind bars. We challenge the prosecution’s narrative by analyzing evidence, exposing inconsistencies, and presenting strong defenses to fight for your freedom.
Sexual Offense Defense in Shelby County, MO
Accusations of sexual misconduct, exploitation, or possession of illegal images in Shelby County, MO can be devastating. We move fast to protect your reputation, dispute digital evidence, and work to prevent mandatory sex offender registration whenever possible.
Theft & White-Collar Crimes Shelby County, MO
From shoplifting to embezzlement or identity theft, we defend against property crimes that threaten your record, career, and future opportunities in the Shelby County, MO area.
Criminal Case Timeline in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO criminal case:
Step 1: Investigation
Most Shelby County, MO cases begin with an investigation, sometimes long before you know you’re a suspect. Police may gather evidence, interview witnesses, or conduct surveillance. If federal authorities are involved in the Shelby County, MO area, this phase can last months or even years. During this stage, we can intervene early to protect your rights, prevent overreach, and in some cases stop charges from ever 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 Shelby County, MO defense lawyer at this point is crucial to avoid making statements that prosecutors can later use against you.
Step 3: Bail & Bond Hearing
Sitting in jail can hurt your job, family, and mental health. That’s why we act quickly in Shelby County, MO to request low bail, bond reductions, or release on recognizance. The sooner you’re free, the sooner you can work with us on your defense.
Step 4: Arraignment & Plea
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 Shelby County, 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: Investigating the Evidence
Discovery is the process where the prosecution must share its evidence with your defense team. This can include police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic results, and more. We thoroughly review every piece of evidence, looking for inconsistencies, constitutional violations, and opportunities to file motions to suppress evidence.
Step 6: 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 & Verdict
If negotiations don’t result in a favorable resolution, your case proceeds to trial. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a bench trial (before a judge) or a jury trial. Our Shelby County, MO defense team meticulously prepares witnesses, cross-examines the prosecution’s case, and presents a compelling defense designed to create reasonable doubt and secure an acquittal.
Step 9: Sentencing Advocacy
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: Post-Sentencing Options
Even after sentencing, there are still ways to fight for a better outcome. Our Shelby County, MO attorneys can file appeals, request reduced sentences, or explore post-conviction relief and record expungements to protect your future opportunities.
What This Means for You: Knowledge is power, and acting early gives your Shelby County, MO defense team more time to negotiate, strategize, and protect your rights before the prosecution gains the upper hand.
Shelby County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Shelby 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 Shelby County, 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 why clients throughout Shelby County, MO trust us when the stakes are highest:
- Dedicated to You: You’re never just another case number to us. We listen to your story, explain your options in plain language, and work with you to build a defense that matches your goals.
- Relentless Trial Preparation: Our Shelby County, MO defense attorneys are relentless litigators who thrive in the courtroom and are never afraid to go to trial if that’s what your case demands.
- Access to Experts/Resources: From investigators and forensic experts to cutting-edge technology, we bring every resource necessary to level the playing field against the government.
- Leverage in Negotiation: Our reputation as trial-ready attorneys forces prosecutors to take our demands seriously and often results in better deals.
- Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself—dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sentences in some of the toughest cases in the Shelby County, MO area.
- Local Court Insight: We know the Shelby County, MO courts, judges, and prosecutors. This insight allows us to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and craft the most effective strategies.
- 24/7 Support in Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, 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 Shelby County, MO, you’re not just selecting a leading criminal defense attorney in Shelby County, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to skilled defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Shelby County and beyond:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions From Our Defense Attorneys in Shelby County, MO
What should I consider when hiring a Shelby County, MO defense attorney?
Choose a lawyer with extensive courtroom experience, strong negotiation skills, and a record of getting charges reduced or dismissed. The right Shelby County, MO defense attorney will communicate clearly, respond quickly, and make you feel confident about your case strategy.
How much does a Shelby County, MO defense attorney cost?
The cost of legal services varies by case complexity and whether it goes to trial. We offer straightforward pricing and a free consultation so you can make an informed choice without surprises.
Can a defense attorney keep me out of jail?
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.
Speak With a Shelby County, MO Defense Attorney Now
When you are facing criminal charges, every moment counts. The earlier you hire an experienced Shelby County, MO defense lawyer, the better chance we have to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and shape the outcome of your case. Our team is ready to step in immediately and fight for you.
Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation case review and take the first step toward protecting your rights and future.
