Criminal Attorney Howard County, MO
Criminal attorney in Howard County, MO. Regardless of why you’re in this situation, you have rights that are guaranteed by our constitution. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is devoted to pursuing every legal option to get the most favorable results for all of our Howard County, MO clients. We handle criminal cases ranging from petty offenses to serious felony. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit, you got caught up in something you had nothing to do with or you just did something you now regret, we will fight hard for you and passionately defend your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk case review.
Anytime you’re dealing with the prospect of a criminal charge, your number one fear is having your freedom put in jeopardy. The United States has more inmates per capita than any other country. The best way to retain your freedom in Howard County, MO is with the help of a veteran and dedicated criminal attorney. We know that, whatever reason you are in this situation, the prospect of the consequences of these charges is weighing heavily on you. We’ll work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed and do everything possible to avoid incarceration. Reach out to a criminal attorney in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
What a Criminal Attorney in Howard County, MO Can Do For You
There are reasons everyone has a right to effective legal representation, and there are various ways a criminal attorney can help your case:
Delay or Stop Charges From Being Filed
After an arrest, a criminal attorney can talk to a prosecutor or district attorney in Howard County, MO, explain how their evidence is lacking, and stop the charges from being filed or charge you with a less serious crime.
Enforce Your Rights
When Howard County, MO law enforcement believes someone committed a crime, they have a lot at their disposal to acquire the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, police are even allowed to lie during interrogations. A criminal attorney will let you know what to say and what not to say and make sure that law enforcement does not violate:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with a warrant
- Your Fifth Amendment right to due process
- Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
Carry Out an Investigation
A criminal attorney in Howard County, MO will perform a meticulous investigation, equal to or surpassing that of the prosecution, in an effort to find physical evidence and witnesses that will help get your charges reduced, dismissed, or help secure a not guilty verdict. We’ll also examine the state’s investigation, and see if there were any procedural errors or if the state’s case does not add up.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Different cases are best defended in different ways, depending on the severity of the charges and the evidence the state is using. In some cases, we may recommend to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges. We may be able to ask the judge for a lighter sentence because of mitigating circumstances. In other cases it might be possible to clear your name or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the standard beyond a reasonable doubt has not been met. Are witnesses unreliable? Was much of evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll explore every option to persuade a jury they cannot morally convict you based on the evidence.
Give You Sound Legal Advice
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be direct with you about your chances of acquittal or getting the charges reduced. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes the realistic most favorable option can be accepting some of the charges. No matter what, we’ll be by your side and defend you how based on the decision you make for yourself.
Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Howard County, MO Takes
Your Howard County, MO criminal attorney has experience offering the highest level of legal advocacy in many different cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like murder. We have gotten great results for our clients facing the following charges:
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- DWI/DUI
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Traffic Tickets
Whatever the nature of what you’re accused of in Howard County, MO, Combs Waterkotte knows that it does not define your character. We understand that our emotions can get the best of us, or that often people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. For sympathetic, dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation, call a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private Howard County, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?
The option of a free public defender can be attractive, but the truth is you’ll have a better chance of success by hiring a private Howard County, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders our overworked. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System found that Howard County, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to come up with a good defense. While there are qualified and diligent public defenders, they are human and the realities of their job may prevent them from devoting the best defense possible.
Another study found that prosecutors offer better deals when a private defense attorney is involved in order to avoid a lengthy trial. It also stated that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys usually taking on more serious charges.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Howard County, MO:
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call a Criminal Attorney in Howard County, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-obligation case review with no criticism, no matter what how serious the allegations are. Our clients and their freedom matter to us. You’ll have the cell phone number of the criminal attorney working on your case. Whether you didn’t do what you were accused of or did something you regret, we’ll fight hard to get the best outcome in your case. Call criminal attorney in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.