Violent crime lawyer in DeKalb County, MO. Being accused of a violent crime in or around DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO who knows how to fight aggressively for your rights and build a strategic defense.
Don’t face these charges alone in DeKalb County, MO—call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. With over 40 years of experience and more than 10,000 cases successfully handled in DeKalb County, MO and across Missouri, we have the expertise to help you fight for your future.
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What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for a Violent Crime in DeKalb County, MO
Being charged with a violent crime in DeKalb County, MO can be overwhelming, but remember—you have rights. The experienced violent crime legal team at Combs Waterkotte has extensive experience in defending these charges, and we’re here to help. Avoid making mistakes that could impact your case or harm your defense. Until your DeKalb County, MO case is resolved, every action matters. Here’s what you should do:
- Invoke Your Right to Silence: Do not speak to law enforcement without a 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 DeKalb County, MO, and no one else.
- Contact a Combs Waterkotte Lawyer Immediately: Time is critical. Hiring a skilled DeKalb County, MO violent crime lawyer early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
- Keep Your DeKalb County, MO Case Private: Discussing your case with family, friends, or on social media can hurt your defense.
- Gather Any Evidence: If you have evidence supporting your innocence, such as videos, messages, or witness contacts, share them with your attorney immediately.

Understanding Violent Crimes in DeKalb County, MO
Violent crimes include any criminal act involving force, injury, or threats of harm. These offenses are often classified as felonies, meaning prosecutors in the DeKalb County, MO area aggressively seek maximum penalties—especially in cases involving serious injury or loss of life. A conviction can derail your future, impacting everything from employment to personal relationships.
With so much at stake, you need a dedicated DeKalb County, MO violent crime lawyer who will fight for rights and freedom. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to start building your defense.
Why Choosing the Right Violent Crime Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO Matters
Facing violent crime charges in DeKalb County, MO means prosecutors will push for the harshest penalties possible. That’s why you need a skilled criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight back. At Combs Waterkotte, we bring decades of experience defending DeKalb County, MO clients against violent crime allegations, such as:
- 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
Facing charges for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter? These cases require a meticulous defense strategy. Our experienced attorneys know how to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights. - 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 DeKalb County, MO. - Robbery & Armed Robbery
Dangerous felony charges require a strategic defense to challenge evidence and intent—precisely what a Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the DeKalb County, MO area. - Kidnapping
Complex cases need skilled criminal defense attorneys who understand how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every level.

When you hire Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime legal team in or around DeKalb County, MO, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated violent crime lawyer in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with leading defense from our experienced violent crime lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in DeKalb County and beyond:
Possible Defenses for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO
Our experienced DeKalb County, MO violent crime legal team uses proven legal strategies such as:
- Self-Defense — You have the right to protect yourself. This defense justifies the use of reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm. We work to prove you acted lawfully.
- No Criminal Intent — Without intent, many violent crime charges don’t stand. 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.
- Lack of Evidence — We scrutinize the prosecution’s case for flaws, seeking to suppress unreliable or improperly obtained evidence.
- Mistaken Identity — False identifications happen. We use alibi evidence, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to prove you weren’t involved.
- Unfounded Allegations — In some cases, accusations stem from personal disputes, revenge, or misunderstandings. We stop at nothing in DeKalb County, MO to expose inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
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.
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Best Choice for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO?
Our client-focused service, dedication to our clients, and relentless advocacy make us the trusted choice in DeKalb County, MO as your violent crime lawyer. Here’s what separates Combs Waterkotte from other law firms in the DeKalb County, MO area:
- Client-Centered Approach: Our clients are our priority. We keep you involved in each step of your case, providing 24/7 support, clear communication, and personalized service in DeKalb County, MO.
- Decades of Criminal Defense Experience: With 40+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to build winning defense strategies in DeKalb County, MO.
- Resources: We work with private investigators, forensic experts, and top legal professionals to strengthen your defense in DeKalb County, MO.
- Trial Ready: Many firms avoid trial, but we are prepared to aggressively fight for you in court whenever necessary in DeKalb County, MO.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
What Are the Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in DeKalb County, MO?
Violent crimes carry severe consequences in DeKalb 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.
In addition to your prison sentence and fines, you’ll have:
- A permanent felony record
- To face losing your professional license and your career
- Difficulty gaining employment or finding a place to live
- Immigration visa or green card revocation, citizenship application denial, or deportation

Your Future is on the Line — Get Help Today From a Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
If you’re facing a violent crime charge in DeKalb County, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. An experienced and aggressive violent crime lawyer can evaluate your case, develop a strong defense, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review in DeKalb County, MO.

