Violent crime lawyer in Clinton County, MO. Being accused of a violent crime in or around Clinton County, MO is life-altering, to say the least. A conviction can mean lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’re facing charges, you need a skilled violent crime lawyer in Clinton County, MO who knows how to fight aggressively for your rights and build a strategic defense.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We have over 40 years of experience and a track record of successfully handling more than 10,000 cases just like yours in Clinton County, MO and beyond.
What to Do in Clinton County, MO If You’ve Been Arrested for a Violent Crime
When you’re charged with a violent crime in Clinton County, MO, it is important to remember you have rights. Also, the Combs Waterkotte violent crime attorneys have extensive experience in defending these charges. Don’t add to the already daunting charges by doing something to harm your case. After all, the problems created by your Clinton County, MO arrest won’t be resolved until a successful outcome is reached. Here’s what to do:
- Invoke Your Right to Silence: Do not answer any questions from law enforcement without a violent crime lawyer present. You can’t face anything harsher for exercising your right to remain silent. But you can definitely damage your case by speaking to someone else. Talk to your violent crime lawyer in Clinton County, MO, and no one else.
- Seek Legal Representation Immediately: Time is critical. Hiring a skilled Clinton County, MO violent crime lawyer early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
- Keep Your Clinton County, MO Case Private: What you say can be used against you. Refrain from talking about your charges with anyone other than lawyer—especially on social media.
- Preserve Crucial Evidence: Any evidence that supports your innocence, such as messages, videos, or potential witnesses, should be handed over to your legal team immediately.

What is Considered a Violent Crime in Clinton County, MO?
A violent crime is any offense involving physical harm or the threat of harm against another person. Most violent crimes are classified as felonies, meaning prosecutors in the Clinton County, MO area often push for the harshest penalties—especially if someone was injured or killed. A conviction can affect every part of your life, from your career and reputation to your personal relationships.
With these stakes, you can’t afford to roll the dice with your future and freedom. You need a Combs Waterkotte Clinton County, MO violent crime lawyer protecting your rights, proving your innocence, and fighting for your freedom in Clinton County, MO. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance on next steps.
The Importance of Hiring a Leading Clinton County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
Prosecutors take violent crime charges seriously in Clinton County, MO, and they don’t hesitate in pursuing the harshest penalties. That’s exactly why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. At Combs Waterkotte, we have a proven track record of success defending clients in Clinton County, MO against a wide range of violent crime charges, including:
- Assault & Battery
Whether you’re facing charges for simple assault or aggravated assault, we fight to protect your rights and minimize penalties. - Domestic Violence
False accusations and misunderstandings happen. We work to expose inconsistencies and defend your reputation. - Homicide / Murder Charges
Murder and manslaughter charges carry the harshest penalties. We bring the experience and resources needed to fight for the best possible outcome in Clinton County, MO. - Weapons Charges
When firearms or other weapons are involved, penalties escalate quickly. We fight to defend against charges of unlawful possession, use, and related offenses in Clinton County, MO. - Robbery & Armed Robbery
Dangerous felony charges can mean years or even decades in prison. We work aggressively to dispute evidence, intent, and any violations of your rights. - Kidnapping
Complex cases need skilled criminal defense attorneys who understand how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every level.

When you partner with Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime attorney in the Clinton County, MO area, you aren’t just hiring a leading violent crime lawyer in and around Clinton County, MO – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed violent crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Clinton County, MO residents:
Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Charges in Clinton County, MO
A strong defense is the difference between conviction and freedom. Our expert violent crime legal team explores all possible defenses, including:
- Self-Defense — If you acted to prevent harm to yourself or others, we present evidence that your actions were legally justified.
- No Criminal Intent — Many violent crime charges require intent. If you didn’t intend harm, the charges might not hold up in court. This defense highlights the absence of the necessary mental state to commit the crime, like accident actions.
- Insufficient Evidence — If the evidence against you is weak or improperly obtained, we fight to get charges dismissed or reduced.
- Mistaken Identity — Mistaken identity is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. We gather alibi evidence and expert analysis to prove you were not involved.
- Unfounded Allegations — Some charges in Clinton County, MO arise from false claims, personal grudges, or exaggerations. We challenge inconsistencies to protect your reputation and future.
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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 a Combs Waterkotte Clinton County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer?
Not all law firms near Clinton County, MO are the same. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to defending violent crime charges in Clinton County, MO, offering:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs, offering 24/7 availability, clear communication, and a strategy tailored to your case in Clinton County, MO.
- Extensive Criminal Law Expertise: With decades of success in courts throughout the Clinton County, MO area, we know how to navigate even the toughest cases.
- Elite Defense Resources: We work with private investigators, forensic experts, and top legal professionals to strengthen your defense in Clinton County, MO.
- Fierce Courtroom Advocacy: A lot of criminal defense law firms are quick to plea bargain and avoid going to trial at all costs. Not Combs Waterkotte. We fight relentlessly to protect your rights, no matter the jurisdiction or judge, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Clinton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clinton County and Missouri.
Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in Clinton County, MO
Violent crimes carry severe consequences in Clinton County, MO, including substantial prison time and hefty fines. Every case is unique. The penalties largely depend on the specific charge, circumstances of the offense, and your prior criminal history. For example, a first-degree murder conviction carries a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, while a conviction for third-degree assault is up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, and the unlawful use of a weapon is a class D felony, carrying up to 7 years in prison.
A conviction can also lead to significant long-term consequences in Clinton County, MO, including:
- A felony record that follows you for life
- To face losing your career and any professional license(s)
- Difficulty gaining employment or finding a place to live
- Immigration visa or green card revocation, citizenship application denial, or deportation

Protect Your Future By Contacting a Clinton County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer Today
A violent crime charge in Clinton County, MO can put your future at risk. You need a skilled and determined violent crime lawyer who will access your case, build a strategic defense, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Take the first step toward your defense—call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation in Clinton County, MO.