Violent crimes lawyer in Lexington, MO. If you’re facing violent crime charges in Lexington, MO, your future is on the line. These cases are prosecuted aggressively, with the state seeking the maximum penalties, and the consequences can be life-altering—prison time, a permanent criminal record, loss of rights, and lasting social stigma. You need a skilled Lexington, MO criminal defense lawyer who has the experience, resources, and courtroom expertise to protect your rights and fight back.
At Combs Waterkotte, our Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO and beyond.
Contact our violent crimes legal team in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO area.
Don’t go it alone. Put an experienced legal team on your side today.
What Crimes Are Legally Defined as Violent in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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: 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 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: Covers a wide range of harmful behaviors against minors. Charges can escalate to felonies depending on severity and prior history.
- Armed Robbery: Taking someone’s property using a weapon or threat of one. Often charged as aggravated robbery, this is a felony with serious penalties.
- Vehicular Manslaughter: Occurs when someone causes a death through reckless or negligent driving, such as driving under the influence or violating traffic laws.
What to Do If You’re Accused of Violent Crimes in Lexington, MO
Whether you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in Lexington, MO or are under investigation, your next steps are critical. Here’s what the violent crimes defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte recommend:
- Step 1: Call a Combs Waterkotte Defense Attorney Right Away
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: 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: Secure Evidence and Witnesses
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: Understand That You Are Not Alone
The justice system guarantees the presumption of innocence, no matter what you’re accused of. Our Lexington, MO violent crimes attorneys will help you face the charges with confidence and build a strategy tailored to your situation.
What are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Lexington, MO?
Violent crime convictions in Lexington, MO often come with life-changing legal and personal consequences. In addition to incarceration, you may face:
- Long-term incarceration, possibly up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty
- Probation with strict conditions
- Significant fines, restitution to victims, and court fees
- A lasting felony record that shows up on every background check
- The loss of civil liberties like voting and owning firearms
- Challenges getting a job, keeping a professional license, or finding a place to live in the Lexington, MO area
- Irreversible damage to your name, relationships, and future
You can’t afford to face these charges alone. The right Lexington, MO violent crime lawyer can push back against the prosecution, challenge unlawful evidence, and fight for your freedom and your future.
Your Legal Rights Matter After a Violent Crime Accusation in Lexington, 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 Push for It.
- You Have the Right to Challenge 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.
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.
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.
Sloppy police work? Mishandled lab tests? Illegal searches? We look for all of it—and if there’s a flaw, we use it to your advantage.
How Combs Waterkotte Defends Lexington, MO Violent Crime Charges
Every case is different, and every defense strategy should be too. The Combs Waterkotte Lexington, 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
- Identifying constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or coerced statements
- Locating key witnesses and collecting evidence that supports your defense
- Negotiating for a reduced charge or dismissal when appropriate
- Building a trial-ready case and defending you aggressively in court
Why People Across Lexington, MO Trust Combs Waterkotte
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 Lexington, MO bring to your defense:
- Meticulous trial prep from day one—not just if your case goes to court
- Over five decades of combined legal experience in Lexington and across Missouri
- Deep familiarity with local Lexington, MO court systems and legal processes
- A track record of wins: dismissals, acquittals, and not-guilty decisions
- Former prosecutors who know how the state builds cases
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte violent crimes lawyer in or around Lexington, MO, you aren’t just hiring a leading violent crimes lawyer in Lexington, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable violent crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lexington and beyond:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Weapons Crime Attorney
Talk to a Lexington, 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 connect with us online for a no-obligation case review with an experienced violent crimes lawyer in Lexington, MO today.
