Violent crimes lawyer in Holden, MO. Being charged with a violent crime is one of the most serious legal situations you can face in the Holden, 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 Holden, 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 Holden, MO violent crimes lawyer represents individuals like you charged with offenses ranging from domestic violence and assault to armed robbery and murder. With over 50 years of combined experience and a track record of results, we know how to build a winning defense in even the toughest cases in Holden, MO and beyond.
Call our Holden, 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 Holden, 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 Holden, MO take back control of their future. Our firm is battle-tested, client-focused, and ready to defend your innocence from day.
You and your rights deserve protection. Get a proven defense team in your corner today.
What Crimes Are Legally Defined as Violent in Holden, 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 Holden, MO 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: Involves abusive behavior—physical, emotional, or psychological—between family or household members. Includes acts like harassment, neglect, stalking, or even assault.
- Murder/Homicide: The most serious violent offense. First-degree murder may carry a life sentence or death penalty, while second-degree murder is still a Class A felony with decades in prison.
- 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: 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 Holden, MO? Here’s What to Do Next
Being accused or investigated for a violent crime in Holden, 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: Get a Holden, 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: Don’t Speak to Police Without Counsel
Even innocent people can say the wrong thing under pressure. Anything you tell police or investigators can be used against you in court. Politely decline to answer questions and assert your right to remain silent until you’ve spoken to your attorney.. - Step 3: Preserve Key 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: Don’t Let the Charges Define You
The legal system presumes you are innocent until proven guilty. While public opinion may feel harsh or isolating, our Holden, MO violent crime lawyers are here to defend your rights, preserve your future, and provide a clear path forward.
What Penalties Can You Face for Violent Crimes in Holden, MO?
Violent crime convictions in Holden, MO often come with life-changing legal and personal consequences. In addition to incarceration, you may face:
- Lengthy prison sentences—sometimes for life or even capital punishment
- 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 voting and firearm rights
- Barriers to employment, professional licensing, or rental housing in the Holden, 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 Holden, MO violent crimes lawyer who understands how to dismantle the prosecution’s case and get to work protecting your future.
Know Your Rights Following a Violent Crime Charge in Holden, MO
Being accused of a violent crime can feel like the system is stacked against you—but it’s not. You have legal rights, and how you exercise them can shape your future. At Combs Waterkotte, our mission is to protect those rights fiercely and use them to your advantage:
- You Have the Right to Remain Silent — Use it.
- You Have the Right to an Attorney — Make it Count.
- You Have the Right to Be Heard in a Fair Trial — Demand it.
- You May Have the Right to Bail — We Push for It.
- You Have the Right to Challenge Every Piece of Evidence — We Do it Relentlessly.
You’re not obligated to explain, justify, or answer police questions. Silence is your strongest first defense. Let your attorney do the talking, so nothing you say can be twisted against you.
Not all defense lawyers are equal. The moment you’re charged, you need experienced legal representation that knows how to fight back. At Combs Waterkotte, we immediately assess the state’s evidence, investigate independently, and craft a defense strategy that protects your freedom, future, and reputation.
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.
How Combs Waterkotte Defends Holden, MO Violent Crime Charges
No two violent crime cases are alike—and neither are our defense strategies. At Combs Waterkotte, our Holden, MO violent crimes attorneys take an aggressive, case-specific approach that’s tailored to your circumstances and legal goals. We dig deep, move fast, and leave nothing to chance. Your defense may include:
- Challenging the legality of your arrest, including lack of probable cause
- Identifying constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or coerced statements
- Locating key witnesses and collecting evidence that supports your defense
- Negotiating with prosecutors to seek a charge reduction, diversion, or dismissal
- Building a trial-ready case and defending you aggressively in court
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Right Choice in Holden, MO
Your defense shouldn’t rely on guesswork. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built our reputation in Holden, MO by fighting aggressively, communicating clearly, and always putting our clients first. If you’re facing serious charges, our violent crimes attorneys in Holden, MO offer the legal firepower and focus your case deserves, including:
- Trial-tested strategies built from day one
- 5+ decades of experience defending violent crime charges in Holden and across Missouri
- Deep familiarity with local Holden, MO court systems and legal processes
- A strong history of outcomes that include dismissals, reductions, and full acquittals
- Former prosecutors who now defend the accused with insider insight
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte violent crimes lawyer in the Holden, MO area, you’re not just choosing a leading violent crimes lawyer in Holden, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable violent crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Holden and beyond:
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Holden, MO Violent Crimes Lawyer
Don’t wait to get help. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction, or minimizing the damage. At Combs Waterkotte, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and start building your defense immediately.
Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation case review with an experienced violent crimes lawyer in Holden, MO today.
