Violent crimes lawyer in Freeman, MO. Being charged with a violent crime is one of the most serious legal situations you can face in the Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO, you need a relentless criminal defense attorney with the skill and strategy to challenge the state’s case and protect your future.
Our Freeman, MO violent crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte are trusted by clients facing charges from domestic violence and aggravated assault to homicide and felony weapons violations. Backed by 50+ years of combined courtroom experience, we fight every case with the intensity and preparation it demands in the Freeman, MO area.
Call our Freeman, MO defense team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
Article Summary
Violent crime charges in Freeman, MO can derail life, but they don’t have to. At Combs Waterkotte, we fight hard for clients accused of the most serious offenses, including assault, murder, and robbery. This page explains how we build customized defenses, challenge flawed prosecutions, and help clients in and around Freeman, MO take back control of their future. Our firm is battle-tested, client-focused, and ready to defend your innocence from day.
Don’t wait. Get immediate, experienced help—your defense starts here.
How Violent Crimes are Defined and Charged in Freeman, MO
Violent crimes in Freeman, MO involve causing or threatening physical harm to another person. Whether the violence is the main offense, like murder, or the method used in another crime, such as robbery, these charges are taken seriously and aggressively prosecuted in and around Freeman, MO.
Examples of violent crimes charged in Freeman, MO include:
- Assault & Battery: Assault refers to threats or attempts to injure someone, while battery is the actual physical contact. In Missouri, the degree of assault determines whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony.
- 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 intentional or premeditated killing of another person. Both first and second-degree murder are Class A felonies, punishable by long prison sentences or even the death penalty.
- Kidnapping: The unlawful confinement or abduction of an individual for purposes like sexual assault, ransom, or forced labor. This is a felony offense that can carry life sentences.
- 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: Charged when a person causes a fatal accident due to reckless behavior, such as DWI or violating serious traffic laws.
What to Do If You’re Accused of Violent Crimes in Freeman, MO
Whether you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in Freeman, MO or are under investigation, your next steps are critical. Here’s what the violent crimes defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte recommend:
- Step 1: Get a Freeman, MO Violent Crimes Defense Attorney on Your Side Immediately
Early legal help gives you the best chance to shape your defense. Our attorneys can intervene before formal charges are filed, review police procedures, and start developing a strong case. We’re available 24/7—call (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online now. - Step 2: Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
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: Preserve Key Evidence
If you have texts, videos, photos, call logs, or contact information for witnesses that support your version of events, secure them now and provide them to your lawyer. Early evidence can make or break a case. - Step 4: Don’t Let the Charges Define You
Being accused is not the same as being guilty. Our violent crime attorneys in Freeman, 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 Penalties Can You Face for Violent Crimes in Freeman, MO?
Being found guilty of a violent crime in Freeman, MO doesn’t just mean time behind bars—it can permanently alter every part of your life. A conviction can result in:
- Long-term incarceration, possibly up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty
- Strict, long-term probation with intrusive conditions
- Heavy fines and restitution
- A permanent felony record
- Loss of voting and firearm rights
- Barriers to employment, professional licensing, or rental housing in the Freeman, MO area
- Irreversible damage to your name, relationships, and future
And remember, even if you aren’t convicted, simply being charged with a violent crime can leave a lasting stain on your reputation. That’s why working with a seasoned Freeman, MO violent crimes attorney is crucial from day one.
Your Rights After a Violent Crime Charge in Freeman, MO
No matter how serious the charges, you are not powerless. The law grants you fundamental rights—and asserting them from the start can dramatically improve the outcome of your case. At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just defend—we empower, educate, and stand with you every step of the way:
- You Have the Right to Remain Silent — Use it.
- You Deserve the Right Lawyer.
- You Have the Right to a Fair Trial — Demand it.
- You May Have the Right to Bail — We Fight to Get You Home.
- You Have the Right to Challenge Every Piece of 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 Freeman, MO intervene immediately—reviewing the evidence, launching independent investigations, and developing a defense built to win.
From jury selection to cross-examination, your trial must be fair. We make sure your side is heard and every constitutional protection is honored. That means exposing weak evidence, challenging biased witnesses, and using every legal tool available to protect your rights.
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 Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO violent crime lawyers, here’s how we go to work for you:
- Reviewing whether your arrest was made lawfully and if there was valid probable cause
- Uncovering any violations of your rights, such as improper searches or interrogation
- Locating witnesses and gathering evidence to support your version of events
- Negotiating for a reduced charge or dismissal when appropriate
- Preparing to go to trial with a clear, assertive defense strategy
Why Freeman, MO Residents Choose Combs Waterkotte
Your defense shouldn’t rely on guesswork. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built our reputation in Freeman, MO by fighting aggressively, communicating clearly, and always putting our clients first. If you’re facing serious charges, our violent crimes attorneys in Freeman, MO offer the legal firepower and focus your case deserves, including:
- Strategic trial preparation from day one
- Over five decades of combined legal experience in Freeman and across Missouri
- Familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in the Freeman, MO area
- A track record of wins: dismissals, acquittals, and not-guilty decisions
- Former prosecutors who now defend the accused with insider insight
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte violent crimes lawyer in or around Freeman, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated violent crimes lawyer in Freeman, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to trustworthy violent crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Freeman and beyond:
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Order of Protection Defense Lawyers
- DWI/DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyers
Talk to a Freeman, MO Violent Crimes Attorney Now
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 contact us online for a no-obligation case review with an experienced violent crimes lawyer in Freeman, MO today.
