Violent crime lawyer in McDonald County, MO. Being accused of a violent crime in or around McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO who knows how to fight aggressively for your rights and build a strategic defense.
Don’t face these charges alone in McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO and across Missouri, we have the expertise to help you fight for your future.
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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 in McDonald County, MO If You’ve Been Arrested for a Violent Crime
Facing violent crime charges in McDonald County, MO is a serious matter, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Combs Waterkotte, we understand how high the stakes are, and we know how to tirelessly defend your rights. The actions you take after an arrest can make a significant difference in your McDonald County, MO case. Follow these steps:
- Invoke Your Right to Silence: Do not answer any questions from law enforcement without a violent crime lawyer present. You have the right to remain silent, and exercising it won’t make things worse—but saying the wrong thing could. Speak only to your violent crime lawyer in McDonald County, MO, and no one else.
- Hire a Combs Waterkotte Violent Crime Lawyer Right Away: The faster you hire an experienced violent crime lawyer in McDonald County, MO, the stronger your defense will be. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in your case.
- 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.
- Collect and Share Evidence: If you have evidence supporting your innocence, such as videos, messages, or witness contacts, share them with your attorney immediately.
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Defining Violent Crimes in McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO community, relationships, and more.
Don’t gamble with your future. A skilled violent crime lawyer in McDonald County, MO can help protect your rights and build a strong defense. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to get the legal support you need in McDonald County, MO.
The Importance of Hiring a Leading McDonald County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
Facing violent crime charges in McDonald 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 McDonald 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
Whether you’re facing unlawful possession or use of a firearm in McDonald County, MO, we challenge the charges to protect your freedom. - Robbery & Armed Robbery
Dangerous felony charges like robbery or armed robbery, require a strategic defense to challenge evidence and intent—precisely what a Combs Waterkotte McDonald County, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the McDonald County, MO area. - Kidnapping
These serious charges require a tough defense. We analyze every aspect of the McDonald County, MO case to challenge weak evidence and unfair allegations.
When you hire Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime attorney in the McDonald County, MO area, you aren’t just hiring the ideal violent crime lawyer in McDonald County, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced violent crime attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for McDonald County, MO residents:
How Our Violent Crime Lawyer Defends Against Charges in McDonald County, MO
Our experienced McDonald 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 — 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 — We scrutinize the prosecution’s case for flaws, seeking to suppress unreliable or improperly obtained evidence.
- Misidentification — Eyewitness misidentification is common. We present alibis, surveillance footage, expert testimony, and more to prove your innocence.
- False Allegations — Some charges in McDonald 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 Trust Combs Waterkotte for Your Violent Crime Defense in McDonald County, MO?
Our client-focused service, dedication to our clients, and relentless advocacy make us the trusted choice in McDonald County, MO as your violent crime lawyer. Here’s what separates Combs Waterkotte from other law firms in the McDonald County, MO area:
- Client-First Mentality: We prioritize your needs, offering 24/7 availability, clear communication, and a strategy tailored to your case in McDonald County, MO.
- Extensive Criminal Law Expertise: With decades of success in courts throughout the McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO.
- Trial-Tested and Fearless: We’re not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for the best possible outcome in McDonald County, MO.
McDonald County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in McDonald County and Missouri.
The Harsh Reality of a Violent Crime Conviction in McDonald County, MO
A violent crime conviction in McDonald County, 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.
In addition to your prison sentence and fines, you’ll have:
- A felony record that follows you for life
- To face losing your professional license and your career
- Difficulty securing jobs and housing
- Risk of deportation, visa denial, or citizenship revocation
Protect Your Future By Contacting a McDonald County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer Today
A violent crime charge in McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO.
