Independence, MO

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Criminal Attorney Independence, MO

Criminal attorney in Independence, MO. No matter why you’re in this situation, you have the same privileges as everyone else in the United States. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to aggressively and relentlessly protecting your rights to secure the most favorable results for those in need of criminal defense in Independence, MO. We take on all levels of criminal cases from credit card fraud to Class A felonies. Whether you’re innocent, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or you just made a poor decision, we will fight tenaciously for you and aggressively protect your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in Independence, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

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Anytime you’re facing a criminal charge, your greatest fear is losing your freedom and being incarcerated. The United States has more inmates per capita than any other country. The best way to avoid incarceration in Independence, MO is with the aid of an experienced and aggressive criminal attorney. We know that, regardless of the circumstances, you are likely apprehensive about how these charges may alter your life. Let us fight for you and get your charges reduced or dismissed and do everything possible to avoid a jail or prison sentence. Call a criminal attorney in Independence, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.

Jackson County Resources

Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.

How a Criminal Attorney in Independence, MO Can Help

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 Formal Charges

After you’ve been detained, a skilled criminal attorney can often meet with a prosecutor or district attorney in Independence, MO, show them evidence that corroborates your side of the story, and stop the charges from being filed or only bring lesser charges.

Protect Your Rights

When Independence, MO law enforcement believes someone committed a crime, there are many things they can do to acquire the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, police are even allowed to lie during interrogations. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and ensure law enforcement respects:

Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
Your Sixth Amendment right to legal representation

Investigate Your Case

A criminal attorney in Independence, MO will carry out a meticulous investigation, often more in-depth than that of law enforcement’s, in an attempt to discover 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 there are holes in the state’s case.

Develop a Defense Strategy

Depending on the quality and amount of evidence the state has, we’ll work with you to develop the best defense strategy. In some cases, we may advise to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges. We may request a lighter sentence because of mitigating circumstances. Other times we may be able to clear your name or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the state has not fulfilled the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt. Did you have a reliable alibi? Is the evidence contaminated? Is there evidence suggesting someone else is guilty for the crime? We’ll look into every detail of your case to persuade a jury they cannot morally find you guilty you based on the evidence.

Provide You With Trustworthy Legal Counsel

A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be forthright with you about the likely outcomes of your case and the best-case scenario given the evidence and charges against you. We understand you’d like to be acquitted. However, sometimes the realistic most favorable option can be accepting some of the charges. No matter what, the choice of how to approach your defense is in your hands.

Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Independence, MO Takes

Your Independence, MO criminal attorney has experience defending our clients’ rights in a variety of cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like homicide. Some of the charges we see most often are:

Whatever the nature of what you’re accused of in Independence, MO, Combs Waterkotte will be compassionate and give you the representation you have a right to. We understand that nobody’s perfect all the time, or that often people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. For empathetic, dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation, get in touch with a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP.

Public Defender or a Private Independence, MO, MO Criminal Attorney?

It can be tempting to use a public defender at no cost, but the truth is you’ll have a better chance of success by enlisting the services of a private Independence, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders often have enormous case loads. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System reported that Independence, MO public defenders often do not even have half the amount of time necessary to provide a good defense. While there are excellent criminal attorneys in the public defense system, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may mean they cannot devote as much time necessary to your case.

Another study found that prosecutors offer better deals when a private defense attorney is involved in order to avoid a lengthy trial. It also found that private criminal attorneys on average secure prison sentences five years shorter than public defenders, despite private attorneys often taking on more serious cases.

Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Independence, MO:

Criminal Attorney Independence, MO | Criminal Justice | Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Independence

Call a Criminal Attorney in Independence, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte

When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a free consultation that’s free of any criticism, no matter what how serious the allegations are. We genuinely care about all of our clients and about getting them the best result. You’ll have the cell phone number of the criminal attorney working on your case. Whether you’re innocent of the charges or did something you regret, we’ll give you the dedicated, relentless and empathetic legal representation you are entitled to. Call criminal attorney in Independence, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.