Self-Defense Defenses in Missouri. If you’re facing criminal charges in Missouri, claiming self-defense can be a powerful strategy to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome. Whether you’re accused of assault, domestic violence, or even homicide, a skilled Missouri criminal defense attorney who specializes in self-defense can be the difference between freedom and imprisonment.
At Combs Waterkotte, we offer personalized, client-centered defense strategies that focus on protecting your future and your livelihood. With more than 40 years of expertise in self-defense laws – during which we have successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours – we help you build a strong defense aimed at getting the best possible result in your case.
Missouri Revised Statute § 563.031 allows you to protect yourself from physical harm if you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger. This is the foundation of a self-defense claim.
Missouri law is built on the foundation of the Castle Doctrine and stand-your-ground defenses, providing legal protection for individuals defending themselves against a threat, even in cases where the use of deadly force may be justified. It’s not enough to say you feel threatened; you need an expert Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney to prove that your belief was reasonable and that your response was proportional to the threat.
Elements of Self-Defense in Missouri
The key elements of self-defense in Missouri are:
- Imminent Threat: The danger you face must be present and immediate, not a potential future threat or one that happened an hour ago.
- Reasonable Fear: You must genuinely believe that you are in danger of being harmed, based on an objective standard.
- Proportionate Response: The force you used in self-defense must be appropriate to the level of threat posed by the aggressor.
Why a Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Expertise Matters in Proving Self-Defense
The Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyers have a wealth of experience in handling self-defense cases. They know Missouri’s self-defense laws inside and out, including the nuances that can make or break a case.
Our legal team understands how to gather and present evidence – including witness testimonies, physical evidence from the scene, and analysis from our network of experts – to support your claim of self-defense. Key to successfully defending you in court is our ability to interpret and apply Missouri’s self-defense statutes to your situation.
Combs Waterkotte Can Access Crucial Resources to Build Your Defense
Defending a self-defense claim requires more than legal expertise; it calls for access to critical resources. The skilled Combs Waterkotte defense attorneys work with a broad network of expert witnesses, including forensic specialists, medical experts, and investigators, to analyze every detail of your case. These professionals can provide just the insight needed to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative and support your defense.
Our firm has the resources available to leave no stone unturned in building a robust defense. For example, forensic evidence can help demonstrate the severity of the threat you faced, while witness testimony can corroborate your version of events.
Personalized Self-Defense Strategies From Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorneys
Combs Waterkotte recognizes that every case is unique, and that every client deserves personal attention. Our criminal defense legal team is available 24/7. From the minute you contact us, we take the time to listen to your story, understand the details of your case, and address your concerns. Our client-centered approach ensures that your voice is heard and that your self-defense strategy is tailored to your specific situation.
We believe that open communication is key to a successful defense, and we make sure that you understand every aspect of your case as it progresses. We always have your best interests in mind, and our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about your defense.
Combs Waterkotte’s Legal Team Can Develop a Customized Self-Defense Strategy
We know that self-defense cases are not one-size-fits-all. In fact, you need an experienced attorney who will explore the specifics of your case to get a 360-degree view of factors like:
- Whether you were in imminent danger
- The nature of the threat you faced
- Your response to that threat
- The proportionality of the force used
By thoroughly investigating and dissecting these factors, we can build a defense strategy designed to show the court why your actions were justified.
Why You Need to Hire Combs Waterkotte for Your Self-Defense Case
Your future is at stake, and the Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys are here to help you protect it. We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and work to ensure that your actions are seen as justified self-defense under Missouri law. Our legal team offers the expertise, resources, and personal attention needed to provide you with the strongest possible defense.
The consequences of a criminal conviction can be life-altering, including long-term imprisonment, loss of your civil rights, and a permanent criminal record. An expert Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer can be the difference between jail or prison and freedom.
If you’re facing criminal charges and believe that you acted in self-defense, don’t risk navigating the legal system on your own. Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney.
