Violent crimes lawyer in Dearborn, MO. Being charged with a violent crime is one of the most serious legal situations you can face in the Dearborn, MO area. The prosecution will come after you with everything it has—seeking maximum penalties, prison time, and a criminal record that follows you for life. You need more than just legal representation in Dearborn, MO, you need a relentless criminal defense attorney with the skill and strategy to challenge the state’s case and protect your future.
At Combs Waterkotte, our Dearborn, MO violent crimes lawyer represents individuals like you charged with offenses ranging from domestic violence and assault to armed robbery and murder. With over 80 years of combined experience and a track record of results, we know how to build a winning defense in even the toughest cases in Dearborn, MO and beyond.
Call our Dearborn, MO defense team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
Legal Videos
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois?
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois? Dealing with a criminal record in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the possibility of expunging your …
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois?
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses probable cause and when police can …
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent in Illinois?
Do I Need a Lawyer if I'm Innocent in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Andrew Russek talks about it being more important to have a lawyer if …
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law?
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman talks about the possible penalties under Illinois …
What Are My Rights if I’m Arrested in Illinois?
What Are My Rights if I'm Arrested in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses your rights following an arrest in …
How Can Criminal Charges in Illinois Be Reduced or Dismissed?
How Can Criminal Charges in Illinois Be Reduced or Dismissed? Charged with a crime in the state of Illinois? Attorney Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte discusses the possibility of charges being …
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois?
Can I Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record in Illinois? Dealing with a criminal record in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses the possibility of expunging your …
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois?
Can the Police Legally Search Me or My Property in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses probable cause and when police can …
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Innocent in Illinois?
Do I Need a Lawyer if I'm Innocent in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Andrew Russek talks about it being more important to have a lawyer if …
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law?
What Penalties Could I Face Under Illinois Law? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman talks about the possible penalties under Illinois …
What Are My Rights if I’m Arrested in Illinois?
What Are My Rights if I'm Arrested in Illinois? Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses your rights following an arrest in …
How Can Criminal Charges in Illinois Be Reduced or Dismissed?
How Can Criminal Charges in Illinois Be Reduced or Dismissed? Charged with a crime in the state of Illinois? Attorney Andrew Russek from Combs Waterkotte discusses the possibility of charges being …
Article Summary
If you’re facing violent crime charges in Dearborn, MO, your freedom, future, and reputation are all in doubt. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys are known for aggressively defending clients accused of assault, robbery, murder, domestic violence, and other serious offenses. This in-depth page explains how we dig deep into the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and build strategic defenses tailored to each client’s situation. Whether you’re being investigated or already charged, we’re ready to fight for your rights from day one in the Dearborn, MO area.
Don’t wait. Get immediate, experienced help—your defense starts here.
What Crimes Are Legally Defined as Violent in Dearborn, MO?
Under Missouri law, a violent crime is typically one where force or the threat of force is used against another individual. These offenses may involve direct harm, such as assault or murder, or the use of violence to facilitate another crime, like kidnapping or robbery.
Some of the most commonly charged Dearborn, MO violent crimes include:
- Assault & Battery: Assault is the attempt or threat to cause harm, while battery involves actual unwanted or harmful contact. Missouri law classifies these offenses in varying degrees, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Notably, Missouri does not separate battery from assault as some other states do.
- Domestic Violence: Includes any abusive conduct—physical, emotional, or verbal—within a household or intimate relationship. Often includes charges like stalking, assault, harassment, or neglect.
- Murder/Homicide: The unlawful killing of another individual with premeditation or intent. Murder in the second degree is a Class A felony, while murder in the first is also a Class A felony punishable by either life imprisonment or death.
- Kidnapping: Involves unlawfully restraining someone for purposes such as ransom, sexual assault, or forced servitude. This is a serious felony that may carry life imprisonment.
- Child Abuse: Covers a wide range of harmful behaviors against minors. Charges can escalate to felonies depending on severity and prior history.
- Armed Robbery: The use of weapons or threats to steal property from another person. One of the most aggressively prosecuted theft-related felonies.
- Vehicular Manslaughter: Results from reckless driving or impaired driving that leads to someone’s death. Often charged alongside DWI or reckless driving offenses.
What You Should Do After Being Accused of a Violent Crime in Dearborn, MO
Being accused or investigated for a violent crime in Dearborn, MO can feel overwhelming—but your response can shape the outcome. Here’s what the Combs Waterkotte violent crime defense attorneys urge you to do immediately:
- Step 1: Contact a Combs Waterkotte Defense Attorney Right Away
Don’t wait to seek legal counsel. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the more time they have to collect evidence, challenge police conduct, and start building a defense. Your lawyer can help reduce charges, negotiate with prosecutors, or take your case to trial with a strategic plan in place. The Combs Waterkotte violent crimes legal team is available 24/7 by calling (314) 900-HELP or contacting us online. - Step 2: Don’t Speak to Police Without Counsel
It’s key to remember that anything you say can and will be used against you. Until you’ve consulted with an attorney, avoid giving statements to police or investigators. Even seemingly harmless comments can be misconstrued or used to build a case against you. - Step 3: Gather Any Evidence
Save any text messages, security footage, social media posts, or names of people who can verify your story. These pieces of evidence can be crucial to your defense and should be turned over to your attorney as soon as possible. - Step 4: Understand That You Are Not Alone
Being accused is not the same as being guilty. Our violent crime attorneys in Dearborn, MO will help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and push back against unfair assumptions. We’ll help you focus on your defense—not fear.
What are the Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in Dearborn, MO?
Convictions for violent crimes in Dearborn, MO carry consequences that go far beyond jail time. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Long-term incarceration, possibly up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty
- Strict probation terms that limit your freedom and mobility
- Heavy fines and restitution
- A lasting felony record that shows up on every background check
- Loss of fundamental rights, including the right to vote or own firearms
- Barriers to employment, professional licensing, or rental housing in the Dearborn, MO area
- Stigma that damages your reputation with friends, family, and your community
Even an accusation can follow you for years. That’s why it’s critical to work with a Dearborn, MO violent crimes lawyer who understands how to dismantle the prosecution’s case and get to work protecting your future.
Your Rights After a Violent Crime Charge in Dearborn, MO
Being charged with a violent crime in Dearborn, MO can feel daunting. However, no matter the severity of the accusation, the law still protects you. Understanding your rights isn’t just crucial, it can change the entire outcome of your case. The Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys make sure those rights are not just protected, but powerfully enforced at every step:
- You Have the Right to Remain Silent — Use it.
- You Deserve the Right Lawyer.
- You Have the Right to Be Heard in a Fair Trial — Demand it.
- You May Qualify for Bail — We Fight to Get You Home.
- You Have the Right to Challenge Evidence — We Do it Relentlessly.
You’re under no obligation to explain yourself to law enforcement, and you shouldn’t. By staying silent and refusing to answer questions without an attorney, you stop the prosecution from gaining early leverage and protect your case from preventable damage.
You deserve more than a public defender with a heavy caseload. Our experienced violent crime attorneys in Dearborn, MO intervene immediately—reviewing the evidence, launching independent investigations, and developing a defense built to win.
We make sure every step of your trial is fair and constitutional—from pretrial motions to closing arguments. We fight to exclude weak or unlawful evidence and ensure you’re judged based on facts, not assumptions or bias.
Pretrial incarceration is not automatic. We advocate for your release through reduced bail or personal recognizance, allowing you to return to your family, work, and life while we build your case.
Every piece of the prosecution’s case should be questioned. We dig deep—scrutinizing warrants, forensics, witness credibility, and chain of custody. If it wasn’t collected or handled properly, we fight to have it thrown out.
Our Approach to Defending Violent Crime Charges in Dearborn, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand that facing a violent crime charge is overwhelming. That’s why we craft every defense strategy to reflect your unique situation, using our deep knowledge of the law and local courts to protect your rights. When you hire our Dearborn, MO violent crime lawyers, here’s how we go to work for you:
- Examining whether law enforcement had probable cause to arrest you
- Identifying violations of your constitutional rights
- Interviewing witnesses and uncovering favorable evidence that supports your version of events
- Working with prosecutors when appropriate to pursue plea deals that minimize penalties
- Preparing for trial and aggressively defending you in court
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Right Choice in Dearborn, MO
When you’re charged with a violent crime, there’s no room for error—you need attorneys who know how to win. At Combs Waterkotte, we approach every case with fierce advocacy and a client-first commitment that has earned us trust throughout Dearborn, MO and beyond. Our violent crime lawyers bring the following to your defense:
- Meticulous trial prep from day one—not just if your case goes to court
- 5+ decades of experience defending violent crime charges in Dearborn and across Missouri
- Local insight into Dearborn, MO courts and prosecutors
- Proven record of not-guilty decisions, dismissed charges, and reduced sentences
- Former prosecutors who now defend the accused with insider insight
When you hire a Combs Waterkotte Dearborn, MO violent crimes lawyer, you’re not just selecting the ideal violent crimes lawyer in and around Dearborn, MO – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced violent crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Dearborn and beyond:
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Dearborn, MO Violent Crimes Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, you don’t have to face this alone. The defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte are ready to listen, advise, and advocate—starting with a free, confidential case review. We’ll help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, one-on-one case review with a trusted violent crimes lawyer in Dearborn, MO today.
