Violent crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO. Being charged with a violent crime is one of the most serious legal situations you can face in the Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO, you need a relentless criminal defense attorney with the skill and strategy to challenge the state’s case and protect your future.
Our Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO area.
Call our violent crimes defense team now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our expert attorneys.
Article Summary
Violent crime charges in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO?
Violent crimes in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO.
Examples of violent crimes charged in Lathrop, 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 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 Lathrop, MO
Being accused or investigated for a violent crime in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, 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
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: Secure Evidence and Witnesses
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: Remember That an Accusation is Not a Conviction
The legal system presumes you are innocent until proven guilty. While public opinion may feel harsh or isolating, our Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO?
Being found guilty of a violent crime in Lathrop, 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
- Significant fines, restitution to victims, and court fees
- 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 Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, 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 Deserve the Right Lawyer.
- You Have the Right to a Fair Trial — Demand it.
- You May Qualify for 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.
Choosing the right defense attorney isn’t optional—it’s critical. Our team immediately investigates, challenges charges, and protects your future. We don’t back down.
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 violent crime case in Lathrop, MO and beyond involves evidence, and we don’t take it at face value. We examine every detail for unlawful searches, false statements, lab errors, and broken procedures. If the state didn’t do its job by the book, we’ll make sure the court knows it.
How Combs Waterkotte Defends Lathrop, MO Violent Crime Charges
No two violent crime cases are alike—and neither are our defense strategies. At Combs Waterkotte, our Lathrop, 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:
- Examining whether law enforcement had probable cause to arrest you
- Uncovering any violations of your rights, such as improper searches or interrogation
- Locating witnesses and gathering evidence to support your version of events
- Negotiating with prosecutors to seek a charge reduction, diversion, or dismissal
- Building a trial-ready case and defending you aggressively in court
Why People Across Lathrop, MO Trust Combs Waterkotte
Your defense shouldn’t rely on guesswork. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built our reputation in Lathrop, MO by fighting aggressively, communicating clearly, and always putting our clients first. If you’re facing serious charges, our violent crimes attorneys in Lathrop, MO offer the legal firepower and focus your case deserves, including:
- Trial-tested strategies built from day one
- Over five decades of combined legal experience in Lathrop and across Missouri
- Local insight into Lathrop, 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 the Lathrop, MO area, you’re not just hiring the ideal violent crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with trustworthy violent crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lathrop and beyond:
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Order of Protection Defense Lawyers
- DWI/DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyers
Talk to a Lathrop, 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 free, one-on-one case review with a trusted violent crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO today.
