Criminal Attorney O’Fallon, MO
Criminal attorney in O’Fallon, MO. Regardless of why you’re in this situation, you have rights that are guaranteed by the law of this country. The criminal attorney defense team at Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to aggressively and relentlessly working with the judicial system to secure the most favorable results for those in need of criminal defense in O’Fallon, MO. We take on all levels of criminal cases from misdemeanor offenses to serious felony. Whether you’re accused of something you didn’t do, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or you just made a poor decision, we will fight persistently for you and effectively enforce your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in O’Fallon, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, the worst-case scenario is losing your freedom and being incarcerated. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to stay out of jail or prison in O’Fallon, MO is with the aid of a veteran and compassionate criminal attorney. We understand that, however you got here, you are likely apprehensive about how these charges may upend your life. Let us use our knowledge and skills to get your charges lowered or thrown out and negotiate with a prosecutor and judge or defend you in trial to avoid incarceration. Reach out to a criminal attorney in O’Fallon, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
How a Criminal Attorney in O’Fallon, 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 Charges From Being Filed
After you’ve been detained, a knowledgeable criminal attorney can often meet with a prosecutor or district attorney in O’Fallon, MO, show them evidence that demonstrates it is highly unlikely you committed the crime, and persuade them to drop the charges or reduce the severity of the charges.
Protect Your Rights
When O’Fallon, MO law enforcement believes they have made a legitimate arrest, they’ll go to great lengths to obtain the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969)
, a “confession” obtained in deceitful interrogations is still valid. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and verify law enforcement abides by:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
- Your Fifth Amendment right to a fair trial
- Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
Investigate Your Case
A criminal attorney in O’Fallon, MO will conduct a thorough investigation, often more in-depth than that of law enforcement’s, in an effort to uncover physical evidence and witnesses that are beneficial to your case. We’ll also be critical of 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
Different cases need different defense strategies, depending on the nature of the alleged crimes and the evidence the state is in possession of. In some cases, it may be best to work with the court to make the sentencing less severe. We may be able to ask the judge for a lighter sentence because of mitigating circumstances. Other times we may be able to present evidence demonstrating your innocence or, if we proceed to trial, persuade a jury that the burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt was not fulfilled by the prosecution. Did you have a reliable alibi? Was key 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 return a guilty verdict with what was presented in court.
Give You Dependable Legal Advice
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be truthful with you about the odds of success for different defense strategies. We understand you’d like to be acquitted. Still, 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 O’Fallon, MO Takes
Your O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney has experience reducing, dismissing, and winning acquittals in a variety of cases, from minor infractions to the most serious charges like murder. Some of the cases we see most often are:
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- DWI/DUI
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- Traffic Tickets
Whatever charges you’re facing in O’Fallon, MO, Combs Waterkotte will remain non-judgmental and defend you. We understand that situations get out of hand, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For sympathetic, committed and tenacious legal representation, call a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private O’Fallon, 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 enlisting the services of a private O’Fallon, 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 stated that O’Fallon, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to come up with an adequate defense. While there are great criminal attorneys in the public defense system, they are human and the realities of their job 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 stated that the average prison term is five years shorter with a private criminal attorney, despite private attorneys usually taking on more serious cases.
Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in O’Fallon, MO:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- 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
Call a Criminal Attorney in O’Fallon, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a free case review that’s free of any judgment, no matter what the nature of your charges. We genuinely care about all of our clients and about getting them the best result. You’ll always have access to communication directly with the attorney assigned to 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 O’Fallon, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can get to work on your case today.