Violent crime lawyer in Kirksville, MO. Facing violent crime charges in Kirksville, MO is a serious, life-changing event. A conviction can result in years behind bars, huge fines, and a criminal record that follows you forever. You need an experienced violent crime lawyer in Kirksville, MO who will fight tirelessly to defend your rights and build a powerful legal 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 Kirksville, MO area and across Missouri.
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 …
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for a Violent Crime in Kirksville, MO
When you’re charged with a violent crime in Kirksville, 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 Kirksville, MO arrest won’t be resolved until a successful outcome is reached. Here’s what to do:
- Remain Silent: Do not answer any questions from 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 Kirksville, MO, and no one else.
- Contact a Combs Waterkotte Lawyer Immediately: Time is critical. Hiring a skilled Kirksville, MO violent crime lawyer early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
- Keep Your Kirksville, MO Case Private: Discussing your case with family, friends, or on social media can hurt your defense.
- Collect and Share 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 Kirksville, 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 Kirksville, 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 these stakes, you can’t afford to roll the dice with your future and freedom. You need a Combs Waterkotte Kirksville, MO violent crime lawyer protecting your rights, proving your innocence, and fighting for your freedom in Kirksville, 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 Kirksville, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
Prosecutors take violent crime charges seriously in Kirksville, 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 Kirksville, MO against a wide range of violent crime charges, including:
- Assault & Battery
We challenge the prosecution’s case to reduce charges and protect your future. - 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
Whether you’re facing unlawful possession or use of a firearm in Kirksville, MO, we challenge the charges to protect your freedom. - Robbery & Armed Robbery
Dangerous felony charges require a strategic defense to challenge evidence and intent—precisely what a Combs Waterkotte Kirksville, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the Kirksville, MO area. - Kidnapping
These serious charges require a tough defense. We analyze every aspect of the Kirksville, MO case to challenge weak evidence and unfair allegations.

When you hire Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime legal team in or around Kirksville, MO, you’re not just choosing the ideal violent crime lawyer in Kirksville, MO and throughout Missouri – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to top defense from our experienced violent crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kirksville and beyond:
How Our Violent Crime Lawyer Defends Against Charges in Kirksville, MO
Our experienced Kirksville, MO violent crime legal team uses proven legal strategies such as:
- Self-Defense — If you acted to prevent harm to yourself or others, we present evidence that your actions were legally justified.
- No Intent to Harm — Without intent, many violent crime charges don’t stand. We work to show your actions were accidental or misinterpreted.
- Insufficient Evidence — If the evidence against you is weak or improperly obtained, we fight to get charges dismissed or reduced.
- Misidentification — False identifications happen. We use alibi evidence, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to prove you weren’t involved.
- Unfounded Allegations — Some charges in Kirksville, MO arise from false claims, personal grudges, or exaggerations. We challenge inconsistencies to protect your reputation and future.
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 Trust Combs Waterkotte for Your Violent Crime Defense in Kirksville, MO?
When facing serious charges, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. Combs Waterkotte stands out as the go-to violent crime lawyer in Kirksville, MO because:
- Client-Centered Approach: We keep you informed, provide 24/7 access, and ensure you’re never left in the dark about your Kirksville, MO case.
- Decades of Criminal Defense Experience: With 40+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to build winning defense strategies in Kirksville, MO.
- Elite Defense Resources: We have a skilled support team, private investigators, and a network of forensic experts, ready to help defend you in Kirksville, 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.
Adair County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Adair County and Missouri.
The Harsh Reality of a Violent Crime Conviction in Kirksville, MO
A violent crime conviction in Kirksville, MO can change your life forever. Penalties vary based on the severity of the charge, the details of the offense, and your criminal history. For instance, a first-degree murder conviction results in life without parole of the death penalty, while third-degree assault could lead up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Even an unlawful weapons charge as a class D felony carries a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction can have lasting repercussions in Kirksville, 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 Kirksville, MO Violent Crime Lawyer Today
Being accused of a violent crime in Kirksville, MO is serious, but the right defense can make all the difference. A knowledgeable violent crime lawyer can analyze your case, challenge the prosecution, and work aggressively to protect your rights.
Don’t wait—call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free consultation in Kirksville, MO.

