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.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney. Our violent crime legal team has over 40 years of experience and has successfully handled more than 10,000 cases just like yours in the DeKalb County, MO area and across Missouri.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a DeKalb County, MO Violent Crime
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:
- Remain Silent: Do not answer police questions without an attorney 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: The sooner you hire an experienced DeKalb County, MO violent crime attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense and getting the best possible outcome.
- Avoid Talking to Anyone: What you say can be used against you. Refrain from talking about your charges with anyone other than lawyer—especially on social media.
- 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
A violent crime is any crime that involves violence or the threat of violence. Many violent crimes are felony offenses, for which prosecutors will seek the maximum sentence, particularly if the alleged victim was injured or killed. If convicted, you’ll face lifelong consequences—including your career, standing in the DeKalb County, MO community, relationships, and more.
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.
The Importance of Hiring a Leading DeKalb County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
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
From simple assault to 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
We build strong defenses against first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter charges. Experience matters; you should not go at it alone when faced with types of charges. - Weapons Charges
If a firearm or other weapon is involved, penalties can be even more severe. We help fight unlawful possession and usage charges in the DeKalb County, MO area. - Robbery & Armed Robbery
Dangerous felony charges like robbery or armed robbery, can mean years or even decades in prison. We work aggressively to dispute evidence, intent, and any violations of your rights. - Kidnapping
These cases demand skilled legal defense in DeKalb County, MO. We dissect the prosecution’s case, exposing weaknesses that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
If you choose Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime lawyer in or around DeKalb County, MO, you’re not just choosing a leading violent crime lawyer in DeKalb County, MO and beyond – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to top defense from our esteemed violent crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in DeKalb County and beyond:
How Our Violent Crime Lawyer Defends Against Charges in DeKalb 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 — 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 Intent to Harm — 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.
- 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 — If you’ve been accused due to personal disputes, revenge, or misunderstandings in the DeKalb County, MO area, we expose contradictions in the prosecution’s case.

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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.
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Best Choice for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO?
Not all law firms near DeKalb County, MO are the same. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to defending violent crime charges in DeKalb County, MO, offering:
- Unwavering Client Support: 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.
- Access to Top Resources: Our team includes expert witnesses, private investigators, and forensic specialists to strengthen your case.
- Trial-Tested and Fearless: We’re not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for the best possible outcome 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.
A conviction can also lead to significant long-term consequences in DeKalb County, MO, including:
- A felony record that follows you for life
- To face losing your career and any professional license(s)
- Difficulty securing jobs and housing
- Risk of deportation, visa denial, or citizenship revocation
Your Future is on the Line — Get Help Today From a Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
A violent crime charge in DeKalb 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.
Don’t wait—call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free consultation in DeKalb County, MO.