Violent crime lawyer in St. Joseph, MO. Facing violent crime charges in St. Joseph, 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. Joseph, 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. Joseph, MO and beyond.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a St. Joseph, MO Violent Crime
Being charged with a violent crime in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO case is resolved, every action matters. Here’s what you should do:
- Invoke Your Right to Silence: Do not speak to law enforcement 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. Joseph, MO, and no one else.
- Hire a Combs Waterkotte Violent Crime Lawyer Right Away: Time is critical. Hiring a skilled St. Joseph, MO violent crime lawyer early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
- Keep Your St. Joseph, MO Case Private: Avoid discussing your charges with anyone—including friends, family, or on social media. Any statements you make could be used against you.
- Collect and Share Evidence: If you have evidence supporting your innocence, such as videos, messages, or witness contacts, share them with your attorney immediately.

What is Considered a Violent Crime in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO violent crime lawyer protecting your rights, proving your innocence, and fighting for your freedom in St. Joseph, 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.
Why Choosing the Right Violent Crime Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO Matters
Prosecutors take violent crime charges seriously in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO against a wide range of violent crime charges, including:
- Assault & Battery
Whether you’re facing charges for simple assault or aggravated assault, we fight to protect your rights and minimize penalties. - Domestic Violence
Misunderstandings and false claims can destroy lives. We uncover the truth and fight for your innocence. - 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. Joseph, MO. - 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 require a strategic defense to challenge evidence and intent—precisely what a Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the St. Joseph, MO area. - 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 hire Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime lawyer in or around St. Joseph, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated violent crime lawyer in St. Joseph, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to leading defense from our knowledgeable violent crime lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Joseph and beyond:
How Our Violent Crime Lawyer Defends Against Charges in St. Joseph, MO
A strong defense is the difference between conviction and freedom. Our expert violent crime legal team explores all possible defenses, 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 — Many violent crime charges require intent. If your actions were accidental or misinterpreted, we challenge the prosecution’s claims.
- Insufficient 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 — Some charges in St. Joseph, 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.
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Best Choice for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO?
Not all law firms near St. Joseph, MO are the same. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to defending violent crime charges in St. Joseph, MO, offering:
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs, offering 24/7 availability, clear communication, and a strategy tailored to your case in St. Joseph, MO.
- Experience and Expertise: With over four decades of combined experience, we bring unparalleled expertise to every criminal defense case.
- Resources: Our team includes expert witnesses, private investigators, and forensic specialists to strengthen your case.
- Fierce Courtroom Advocacy: 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?
A violent crime conviction in St. Joseph, 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 gaining employment or finding a place to live
- Immigration visa or green card revocation, citizenship application denial, or deportation

Your Future is on the Line — Get Help Today From a Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, MO Violent Crime Lawyer
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.
Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review in St. Joseph, MO.