Violent crimes lawyer in Riverside, MO. If you’re facing violent crime charges in Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO criminal defense lawyer who has the experience, resources, and courtroom expertise to protect your rights and fight back.
The Riverside, 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.
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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO?
Violent crimes in Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO.
Examples of violent crimes charged in Riverside, 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 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: 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: 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 Riverside, MO? Here’s What to Do Next
Whether you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in Riverside, 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 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
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: Remember That an Accusation is Not a Conviction
Being accused is not the same as being guilty. Our violent crime attorneys in Riverside, 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 are the Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in Riverside, MO?
Violent crime convictions in Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO area
- Irreversible damage to your name, relationships, and future
And remember, even if you aren’t convicted, simply being charged with a violent crime can leave a lasting stain on your reputation. That’s why working with a seasoned Riverside, MO violent crimes attorney is crucial from day one.
Know Your Rights Following a Violent Crime Charge in Riverside, 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:
- Stay Silent, Stay Protected.
- You Deserve the Right Lawyer.
- 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’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.
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.
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 Riverside, MO
Every case is different, and every defense strategy should be too. The Combs Waterkotte Riverside, 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:
- 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
- Working with prosecutors when appropriate to pursue plea deals that minimize penalties
- Preparing to go to trial with a clear, assertive defense strategy
Why Riverside, MO Residents Choose 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 Riverside, MO bring to your defense:
- Meticulous trial prep from day one—not just if your case goes to court
- 50+ years of combined experience in Riverside and Missouri criminal law
- Local insight into Riverside, 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 partner with a Combs Waterkotte violent crimes lawyer in or around Riverside, MO, you aren’t just selecting the ideal violent crimes lawyer in Riverside, MO and throughout Missouri – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced violent crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Riverside, MO residents:
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Order of Protection Defense Lawyers
- DWI/DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyers
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Riverside, 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 to speak with a violent crimes lawyer in Riverside, MO today.
