Violent crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO. When you’re accused of a violent crime anywhere in the Lathrop, MO area, everything is at stake—your freedom, your career, and your family’s future. These cases move fast and hit hard in Lathrop, MO, often carrying mandatory prison time and permanent stigma. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Lathrop, MO who knows how to push back from day one with a smart, strategic defense.
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 Lathrop, MO defense team right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
Article Summary
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a violent crime in Lathrop, MO, time is not on your side. This page from Combs Waterkotte walks you through the legal process, the potential penalties, and how our aggressive defense strategies can protect your rights. From start to finish, we prioritize your freedom and your future in Lathrop, MO and beyond.
Don’t wait. Get immediate, experienced help—your defense starts here.
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 the attempt or threat to cause harm, while battery involves actual offensive or harmful contact. There are four degrees of assault, with charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on severity. Missouri does not establish a separate law for battery. Instead, what might be considered battery in another state is included under the assault laws.
- Domestic Violence: Covers physical, emotional, and psychological abuse between family or household members. Related charges may include harassment, stalking, assault, and 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: The unlawful restraint or abduction of a person for illegal purposes, including sexual crimes, ransom, or forced labor. This offense is often paired with other serious charges.
- Child Abuse: Includes physical, sexual, or emotional harm to a minor. Penalties vary significantly depending on the severity and specifics of the allegations.
- 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.
Accused of a Violent Crime in Lathrop, MO? Here’s What to Do Next
Whether you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in Lathrop, MO or are under investigation, your next steps are critical. Here’s what the violent crimes defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte recommend:
- Step 1: Contact a Combs Waterkotte Lawyer 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
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: Don’t Let the Charges Define You
Being accused is not the same as being guilty. Our violent crime attorneys in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO?
Convictions for violent crimes in Lathrop, MO carry consequences that go far beyond jail time. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Years—or even life—in prison, with no guarantee of early release
- Strict probation terms that limit your freedom and mobility
- Hefty fines and mandatory restitution to alleged victims
- A felony on your record that limits your opportunities for decades
- Loss of voting and firearm rights
- Barriers to employment, professional licensing, or rental housing in the Lathrop, MO area
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation
You can’t afford to face these charges alone. The right Lathrop, MO violent crime lawyer can push back against the prosecution, challenge unlawful evidence, and fight for your freedom and your future.
Know Your Rights Following a Violent Crime Charge in Lathrop, 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 Qualify for Bail — We Fight to Get You Home.
- 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.
You deserve more than a public defender with a heavy caseload. Our experienced violent crime attorneys in Lathrop, MO intervene immediately—reviewing the evidence, launching independent investigations, and developing a defense built to win.
We make sure you’re not just another case file. We humanize your story, push for impartiality, and spotlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Your voice matters—and we make sure it’s heard.
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 Lathrop, MO
Every case is different, and every defense strategy should be too. The Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO violent crimes lawyers thoroughly investigate the evidence, challenge procedural missteps, and develop a strategic defense that fits the facts of your situation. Our approach might include:
- 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
- Interviewing witnesses and uncovering favorable evidence that supports your version of events
- Negotiating with prosecutors to seek a charge reduction, diversion, or dismissal
- Preparing for trial and aggressively defending you in court
What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Right Choice in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, 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
- 50+ years of combined experience in Lathrop and Missouri criminal law
- Familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in the Lathrop, MO area
- Proven record of not-guilty decisions, dismissed charges, and reduced sentences
- Former prosecutors who now use their insider knowledge to protect your rights
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte violent crimes lawyer in the Lathrop, MO area, you aren’t just choosing the ideal violent crimes lawyer in and around Lathrop, MO – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced violent crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides 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
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Lathrop, 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 contact us online to speak with a violent crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO today.
