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.
The Freeman, MO violent crimes lawyers at Combs Waterkotte have decades of experience defending clients against charges like assault, homicide, and armed robbery. We’re known for our trial readiness, attention to detail, and ability to dismantle weak evidence. With 50+ years of combined experience, we know how to fight—and win—serious criminal cases.
Contact our violent crimes legal team in Freeman, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Article Summary
If you’re facing violent crime charges in Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO area.
Don’t wait. Get immediate, experienced help—your defense starts here.
How Violent Crimes are Defined and Charged in Freeman, 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.
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: Involves abusive behavior—physical, emotional, or psychological—between family or household members. Includes acts like harassment, neglect, stalking, or even assault.
- 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: 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: Encompasses physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted on a child. Charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies based on the nature and extent of harm.
- Armed Robbery: The use of a weapon to steal or intimidate during a theft. Often charged as aggravated robbery and treated as a felony offense with enhanced sentencing.
- Vehicular Manslaughter: Charged when a person causes a fatal accident due to reckless behavior, such as DWI or violating serious traffic laws.
Accused of a Violent Crime in Freeman, MO? Here’s What to Do Next
Being accused or investigated for a violent crime in Freeman, 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: Call a Combs Waterkotte Defense Attorney Immediately
The sooner you hire an experienced defense lawyer, the better your chances of a favorable result. Early intervention allows your attorney to review evidence, preserve witness statements, and intervene before charges escalate. Call Combs Waterkotte 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for fast legal help. - Step 2: Stay Silent Until You Have Representation
Even if you believe you’re innocent, it’s vital to exercise your right to remain silent. What you say during questioning can be twisted or taken out of context—wait until your lawyer is present to avoid damaging your case. - Step 3: Gather Any Evidence
If you possess any evidence supporting your innocence, like text messages, videos, emails, or witness contacts, be sure to share them with your lawyer right away. - Step 4: Remember That an Accusation is Not a Conviction
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:
- Years—or even life—in prison, with no guarantee of early release
- Strict, long-term probation with intrusive conditions
- Significant fines, restitution to victims, and court fees
- A permanent felony record
- Loss of fundamental rights, including the right to vote or own firearms
- Difficulty securing employment or housing in the Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO violent crimes lawyer who understands how to dismantle the prosecution’s case and get to work protecting your future.
Your Legal Rights Matter After a Violent Crime Accusation 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 Have the Right to an Attorney — Make it Count.
- 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 are not required to speak to law enforcement. In fact, you shouldn’t. Anything you say can be twisted or taken out of context. By remaining silent and requesting legal counsel, you protect yourself from early missteps that could hurt your case.
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.
Sitting in jail wondering about and waiting for trial makes everything harder. Depending on your charges, we can argue for reduced bail or even release without bond. Getting you back to your life is always a top priority.
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:
- Challenging the legality of your arrest, including lack of probable cause
- Identifying constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or coerced statements
- Interviewing witnesses and uncovering favorable evidence that supports your version of events
- Negotiating for a reduced charge or dismissal when appropriate
- Preparing to go to trial with a clear, assertive defense strategy
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Right Choice in Freeman, MO
When your life and freedom are on the line, experience matters. We bring a relentless, client-first mentality to every case we take on—and we don’t stop until every legal option has been explored. Here’s more about what our violent crimes lawyers in Freeman, MO bring to your defense:
- Strategic trial preparation from day one
- 5+ decades of experience defending violent crime charges in Freeman and across Missouri
- Local insight into Freeman, MO courts and prosecutors
- A track record of wins: dismissals, acquittals, and not-guilty decisions
- Former prosecutors who now use their insider knowledge to protect your rights
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte violent crimes lawyer in or around Freeman, MO, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated violent crimes lawyer in and around Freeman, MO – you are protecting 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 Freeman, MO residents:
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Freeman, MO Violent Crimes Lawyer
Every minute counts when you’re facing violent crime charges. The earlier you get legal representation, the more options you may have. At Combs Waterkotte, we act fast to protect your rights, challenge the state’s evidence, and start crafting your defense—before charges escalate.
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 Freeman, MO today.
