Violent crime lawyer in St. Joseph, MO. Being accused of a violent crime in or around St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO area and across Missouri.
Legal Videos
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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 …
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 St. Joseph, MO
Facing violent crime charges in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO case. Follow these steps:
- Stay Silent: Do not answer police questions 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 St. Joseph, MO, and no one else.
- Hire a Combs Waterkotte Violent Crime Lawyer Right Away: The sooner you hire an experienced St. Joseph, MO violent crime attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense and getting the best possible outcome.
- Do Not Discuss Your St. Joseph, MO Case: What you say can be used against you. Refrain from talking about your charges with anyone other than lawyer—especially on social media.
- Preserve Crucial Evidence: Any evidence that supports your innocence, such as messages, videos, or potential witnesses, should be handed over to your legal team immediately.
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Defining Violent Crimes in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, 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.
Don’t gamble with your future. A skilled violent crime lawyer in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO.
Why You Need a Top St. Joseph, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
Violent crime charges in St. Joseph, MO are aggressively prosecuted, often carrying severe consequences. That’s why having a seasoned criminal defense attorney on your side is essential in St. Joseph, MO. At Combs Waterkotte, we have a history of successfully defending clients against various violent crime charges in and around St. Joseph, 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
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 St. Joseph, MO, we challenge the charges to protect your freedom. - 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 serious charges require a tough defense. We analyze every aspect of the St. Joseph, MO case to challenge weak evidence and unfair allegations.
When you partner with Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime attorney in or around St. Joseph, MO, you aren’t just hiring the ideal violent crime lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with leading defense from our esteemed violent crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:
How Our Violent Crime Lawyer Defends Against Charges in St. Joseph, MO
The right defense can mean the difference between a conviction and freedom in St. Joseph, MO. Our experienced violent crime legal team evaluates every angle to build a strong case, including:
- Self-Defense — If you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, we work to prove your actions were justified.
- No Intent to Harm — Many violent crime charges require intent. We work to show your actions were accidental or misinterpreted.
- Lack of Evidence — We scrutinize the prosecution’s case for flaws, seeking to suppress unreliable or improperly obtained evidence.
- Mistaken Identity — Eyewitness misidentification is common. We present alibis, surveillance footage, expert testimony, and more to prove your innocence.
- False Allegations — If you’ve been accused due to personal disputes, revenge, or misunderstandings in the St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO because:
- Unwavering Client Support: We keep you informed, provide 24/7 access, and ensure you’re never left in the dark about your St. Joseph, MO case.
- Decades of Criminal Defense Experience: With 40+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to build winning defense strategies in St. Joseph, MO.
- Elite Defense Resources: We work with private investigators, forensic experts, and top legal professionals to strengthen your defense in St. Joseph, MO.
- Trial Ready: Many firms avoid trial, but we are prepared to aggressively fight for you in court whenever necessary in St. Joseph, MO.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
What Are the Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in St. Joseph, MO?
Violent crimes carry severe consequences in St. Joseph, 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 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 St. Joseph, MO Violent Crime Lawyer Today
A violent crime charge in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO.
