Criminal Attorney St. Clair, MO
Criminal attorney in St. Clair, 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 committed to doing everything possible to secure the most favorable results for all of our St. Clair, MO clients. We take on criminal cases ranging from credit card fraud to being charges with the death of another. Whether you’re innocent, you got caught up in something you had nothing to do with or you simply made a poor decision, we will fight hard for you and aggressively protect your rights and freedom. Call a criminal attorney in St. Clair, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk case evaluation.
If you’ve been charged with a a felony or misdemeanor, the worst-case scenario is losing your freedom and having to spend time in jail or prison. The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration rates. The best way to avoid incarceration in St. Clair, MO is with the dedicated representation of a veteran and passionate criminal attorney. We understand that, however you got here, the prospect of severe sentences and penalties is weighing heavily on you. Let us fight for you and get your charges reduced or dismissed and pursue every option to avoid incarceration. Get in touch with a criminal attorney in St. Clair, MO today at (314) 900-HELP.
How a Criminal Attorney in St. Clair, MO Can Help
Criminal attorneys know the judicial system, the laws that guide them, how to talk to a prosecutor and how to defend you in front of a jury. Some of what we can help with are:
Delay or Stop Formal Charges
After an arrest, a skilled criminal attorney can often meet with a prosecutor or district attorney in St. Clair, MO, show them evidence that corroborates your side of the story, and persuade them to drop the charges or only bring lesser charges.
Enforce Your Rights
When St. Clair, MO law enforcement believes they’ve apprehended an offender, there are many things they can do to obtain the evidence needed to bring formal charges. According to a 1969 Supreme Court Decision, a “confession” obtained in deceitful interrogations can still be presented in court. A criminal attorney will stand by your side and ensure law enforcement respects:
- Your Fourth Amendment right against searches with a warrant
- Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
- Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
Investigate Your Case
A criminal attorney in St. Clair, MO will carry out a thorough investigation, often more detailed than that of the prosecution, in an attempt to discover physical evidence and witnesses that are favorable to your case. We’ll also examine how the evidence brought against you was obtained, and if any of your rights were violated or if there are holes in the state’s case.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Different cases need different defense strategies, depending on the severity of the charges and the evidence the state is trying to use to convict you. In some cases, it may be best to work with the prosecution to obtain a reduction in charges. We may request character references from neighbors and family arguing that you should receive a more lenient sentence because of mitigating circumstances. In other cases it might be possible to prove you did not committed the crime 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 important evidence contaminated? Is there another legitimate suspect? We’ll explore every option to persuade a jury they cannot ethically convict you based on the evidence.
Provide You With Trustworthy Legal Counsel
A Combs Waterkotte criminal attorney will be open with you about the odds of success for different defense strategies. We know everyone wants to be found “not guilty,” or have their charges dismissed. However, sometimes it may make the most sense for you, your family and your freedom to choose another strategy. 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 St. Clair, MO Takes
Your St. Clair, MO criminal attorney has experience defending our clients’ rights in numerous cases, from unclassified misdemeanors to Class A felonies 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 the nature of what you’re accused of in St. Clair, MO, Combs Waterkotte is not here to pass judgment or rebuke you for past mistakes. We understand that nobody’s perfect all the time, or we can become involved in situations outside of our control. For empathetic, committed and aggressive legal representation, call a criminal attorney at Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP.
Public Defender or a Private St. Clair, 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 St. Clair, MO criminal attorney like those at Combs Waterkotte. For starters, public defenders our overworked. A 2014 Study of the Missouri Public Defender System stated that St. Clair, MO public defenders largely do not have enough time to provide an adequate defense. While there are excellent public defenders, they are human and the amount of work they have to do may mean they cannot devote 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 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 St. Clair, MO:
Call a Criminal Attorney in St. Clair, MO Today | Combs Waterkotte
When you call us, one of our criminal attorneys will give you a no-risk case review with no criticism, regardless of the nature of your charges. Our clients and their rights matter to us. 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 St. Clair, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so we can start working for you.
