Violent crime lawyer in St. Francois County, MO. Facing violent crime charges in St. Francois County, 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 St. Francois County, 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 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 St. Francois County, MO and beyond.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a St. Francois County, MO Violent Crime
When you’re charged with a violent crime in St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO arrest won’t be resolved until a successful outcome is reached. Here’s what to do:
- Remain Silent: Do not answer police questions without a 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 St. Francois County, MO, and no one else.
- Seek Legal Representation Immediately: Time is critical. Hiring a skilled St. Francois County, MO violent crime lawyer early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
- Do Not Discuss Your St. Francois County, MO Case: Avoid discussing your charges with anyone—including friends, family, or on social media. Any statements you make could be used against you.
- Gather Any Evidence: If you have any proof that supports your case—such as surveillance footage, test messages, or witness information—provide it to your attorney as soon as possible.
What is Considered a Violent Crime in St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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 so much at stake, you need a dedicated St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO Matters
Violent crime charges in St. Francois County, MO are aggressively prosecuted, often carrying severe consequences. That’s why having a seasoned criminal defense attorney on your side is essential in St. Francois County, MO. At Combs Waterkotte, we have a history of successfully defending clients against various violent crime charges in and around St. Francois County, MO, 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
Murder and manslaughter charges carry the harshest penalties. We bring the experience and resources needed to fight for the best possible outcome in St. Francois County, MO. - 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 St. Francois County, MO area. - 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 St. Francois County, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the St. Francois County, MO area. - Kidnapping
These cases demand skilled legal defense in St. Francois County, MO. We dissect the prosecution’s case, exposing weaknesses that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
When you partner with Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime lawyer in St. Francois County, MO, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated violent crime lawyer in and around St. Francois County, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to leading defense from our esteemed violent crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for St. Francois County, MO residents:
Possible Defenses for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in St. Francois County, MO
The right defense can mean the difference between a conviction and freedom in St. Francois County, MO. Our experienced violent crime legal team evaluates every angle to build a strong case, including:
- Self-Defense — If you acted to prevent harm to yourself or others, we present evidence that your actions were legally justified.
- Lack of 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.
- Weak or Unlawful Evidence — If the evidence against you is weak or improperly obtained, we fight to get charges dismissed or reduced.
- Mistaken Identity — False identifications happen. We use alibi evidence, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to prove you weren’t involved.
- Unfounded Allegations — Some charges in St. Francois 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, 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 St. Francois County, MO?
Not all law firms near St. Francois County, MO are the same. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to defending violent crime charges in St. Francois County, MO, offering:
- Unwavering Client Support: We prioritize your needs, offering 24/7 availability, clear communication, and a strategy tailored to your case in St. Francois County, MO.
- Decades of Criminal Defense Experience: With 40+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to build winning defense strategies in St. Francois County, MO.
- Elite Defense Resources: Our team includes expert witnesses, private investigators, and forensic specialists to strengthen your case.
- 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.
St. Francois County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Francois County and Missouri.
What Are the Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in St. Francois County, MO?
Violent crimes carry severe consequences in St. Francois 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.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction can have lasting repercussions in St. Francois County, MO, including:
- A permanent felony record
- To face losing your professional license and your career
- Difficulty gaining employment or finding a place to live
- Risk of deportation, visa denial, or citizenship revocation
Your Future is on the Line — Get Help Today From a Combs Waterkotte St. Francois County, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
A violent crime charge in St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO.