Protecting Those Who Served in St. Louis, MO and Beyond
Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our country. They often return home facing immense physical, mental, and emotional challenges. However, many veterans find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system due to circumstances related to their service—including PTSD, alcoholism/substance abuse, and difficulties adjusting to civilian life. The least we can do at Combs Waterkotte is help with our specialized veteran criminal defense team.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our veteran criminal defense lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.
If you’re a veteran and have been charged with a crime, no matter the severity, Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Our veteran criminal defense lawyers have over 50 years of experience and have successfully handled more than 10,000 cases just like yours in St. Louis and across Missouri.
Understanding the Unique Challenges Veterans Face in St. Louis, Across Missouri
One of the biggest hurdles veterans face in the legal system is the lack of understanding regarding service-related mental health conditions. Many veterans charged with crimes are not career criminals but individuals dealing with the long-term effects of their military service. Without proper legal representation, they may not receive the consideration or alternative sentencing options available to them. These can include:
- Veterans Court: This is a voluntary program that provides treatment and supervision for veterans charged with felonies. With a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, the court can help with substance abuse, mental abuse, and employment, as well as emergency financial assistance and temporary housing.
- Veterans Justice Outreach: A program that connects veterans with treatment services and homeless prevention. Specialists work with judges and courts to help veterans access VA services.
- SAIL Program: The Sentencing Alternatives Improving Lives program was initiated in 2015 in the Eastern District of Missouri to provide intensive supervision, treatment, and other services like housing, transportation, and employment for veterans.
Additionally, a criminal conviction can have severe consequences for veterans beyond fines or jail time. It can impact their VA benefits, job opportunities, and even their ability to secure housing. Legal advocacy that recognizes the unique struggles of veterans is essential to ensuring they receive fair treatment and the support they need to rebuild their lives. Working with an attorney who understands these challenges can make all the difference in your case. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case with an expert veteran criminal defense attorney.
Common Criminal Charges Veterans Face in St. Louis, MO
Many veterans find themselves in less-than-ideal situations after service. Many face criminal charges stemming from issues relating to their service. Each of the following charges can carry severe penalties, but a skilled veteran criminal defense lawyer can build a defense that takes service-related factors into account:
- DWI/DUI: Veterans struggling with PTSD or other mental health conditions may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to DWI/DUI charges. The Combs Waterkotte legal team has successfully defended hundreds of clients facing these charges throughout Missouri.
- Drug-Related Offenses: Prescription medication misuse and illicit drug use can result in possession or trafficking charges.
- Weapons Charges: Veterans often own firearms for protection, but legal missteps can lead to unlawful possession or concealed carry violations.
- Assault & Domestic Violence: Combat experience, traumatic brain injuries, or PTSD can contribute to violent outbursts or misunderstandings.
- Theft & Burglary: Economic hardship or mental health struggles can sometimes lead veterans to commit theft-related offenses.
How a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis Veteran Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Veterans deserve experienced legal representation that understands their experiences and the options available to them. We can help:
- Seek Alternative Sentencing Options
Many Missouri courts offer Veterans Treatment Courts, which focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Our attorneys have experience putting clients in the right situation to protect their futures. - Challenge the Prosecution’s Evidence
Our skilled veteran criminal defense attorneys analyze the evidence for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and inconsistencies that can weaken the case against a veteran. - Leverage Military Background in Defense Strategies: A lawyer can present evidence of service-related trauma, PTSD, or other mitigating factors to argue for alternative sentencing, reduced penalties, or even case dismissal.
- Protect VA Benefits & Employment Opportunities: A criminal conviction can jeopardize a veteran’s VA benefits and job prospects. A veteran criminal defense attorney fights to minimize or eliminate the consequences of a conviction.
