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Columbia, MO

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Last Updated: February 10, 2025

Violent crime lawyer in Columbia, MO. If you’ve been accused of or questioned about a violent crime in Columbia, MO, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, steep fines, and a criminal record that impacts your entire life. You need a dedicated violent crime lawyer in Columbia, MO who knows how to challenge the prosecution and develop a strong defense strategy.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We have over 40 years of experience and a track record of successfully handling more than 10,000 cases just like yours in Columbia, MO and beyond.

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    Protect Your Life

    A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.

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    Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.

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Steps to Take If You’ve Been Arrested for a Columbia, MO Violent Crime

Facing violent crime charges in Columbia, MO is a serious matter, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Combs Waterkotte, we understand how high the stakes are, and we know how to tirelessly defend your rights. The actions you take after an arrest can make a significant difference in your Columbia, MO case. Follow these steps:

  • Stay Silent: Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent, and exercising it won’t make things worse—but saying the wrong thing could. Speak only to your violent crime lawyer in Columbia, MO, and no one else.
  • Contact a Combs Waterkotte Lawyer Immediately: Time is critical. Hiring a skilled Columbia, MO violent crime lawyer early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.
  • Avoid Talking to Anyone: What you say can be used against you. Refrain from talking about your charges with anyone other than lawyer—especially on social media.
  • Preserve Crucial Evidence: Any evidence that supports your innocence, such as messages, videos, or potential witnesses, should be handed over to your legal team immediately.

Violent Crime Lawyer Columbia, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm in Columbia, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys

Understanding Violent Crimes in Columbia, MO

Violent crimes include any criminal act involving force, injury, or threats of harm. These offenses are often classified as felonies, meaning prosecutors in the Columbia, MO area aggressively seek maximum penalties—especially in cases involving serious injury or loss of life. A conviction can derail your future, impacting everything from employment to personal relationships.

With these stakes, you can’t afford to roll the dice with your future and freedom. You need a Combs Waterkotte Columbia, MO violent crime lawyer protecting your rights, proving your innocence, and fighting for your freedom in Columbia, MO. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance on next steps.

Why You Need a Top Columbia, MO Violent Crime Lawyer

Violent crime charges in Columbia, MO are aggressively prosecuted, often carrying severe consequences. That’s why having a seasoned criminal defense attorney on your side is essential in Columbia, MO. At Combs Waterkotte, we have a history of successfully defending clients against various violent crime charges in and around Columbia, MO, including:

  • Assault & Battery
    Whether you’re facing charges for simple assault or aggravated assault, we fight to protect your rights and minimize penalties.
  • Domestic Violence
    False accusations can turn your life upside down. We work to challenge inconsistencies and defend your reputation in Columbia, MO.
  • Homicide / Murder Charges
    We build strong defenses against first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter charges. Experience matters; you should not go at it alone when faced with types of charges.
  • Weapons Charges
    When firearms or other weapons are involved, penalties escalate quickly. We fight to defend against charges of unlawful possession, use, and related offenses in Columbia, MO.
  • Robbery & Armed Robbery
    Dangerous felony charges like robbery or armed robbery, require a strategic defense to challenge evidence and intent—precisely what a Combs Waterkotte Columbia, MO violent crime lawyer provides throughout the Columbia, MO area.
  • Kidnapping
    These cases demand skilled legal defense in Columbia, MO. We dissect the prosecution’s case, exposing weaknesses that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

Violent Crime Lawyer in Columbia, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Columbia, MO | Criminal Defense Law Firm Columbia, MO

If you choose Combs Waterkotte as your violent crime attorney in the Columbia, MO area, you’re not just hiring a top-rated violent crime lawyer in and around Columbia, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with leading defense from our experienced violent crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Columbia and beyond:

Possible Defenses for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in Columbia, MO

Our experienced Columbia, MO violent crime legal team uses proven legal strategies such as:

  • Self-Defense If you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, we work to prove your actions were justified.
  • No Intent to Harm Many violent crime charges require intent. We work to show your actions were accidental or misinterpreted.
  • Lack of Evidence — We scrutinize the prosecution’s case for flaws, seeking to suppress unreliable or improperly obtained evidence.
  • Mistaken Identity — Eyewitness misidentification is common. We present alibis, surveillance footage, expert testimony, and more to prove your innocence.
  • False Allegations — If you’ve been accused due to personal disputes, revenge, or misunderstandings in the Columbia, MO area, we expose contradictions in the prosecution’s case.
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How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.



















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    What Makes Combs Waterkotte the Best Choice for Your Violent Crime Lawyer in Columbia, MO?

    Not all law firms near Columbia, MO are the same. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to defending violent crime charges in Columbia, MO, offering:

    • Client-First Mentality: We keep you informed, provide 24/7 access, and ensure you’re never left in the dark about your Columbia, MO case.
    • Decades of Criminal Defense Experience: With 40+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to build winning defense strategies in Columbia, MO.
    • Elite Defense Resources: We have a skilled support team, private investigators, and a network of forensic experts, ready to help defend you in Columbia, MO.
    • Trial Ready: We’re not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for the best possible outcome in Columbia, MO.

    Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in Columbia, MO

    A violent crime conviction in Columbia, MO can change your life forever. Penalties vary based on the severity of the charge, the details of the offense, and your criminal history. For instance, a first-degree murder conviction results in life without parole of the death penalty, while third-degree assault could lead up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Even an unlawful weapons charge as a class D felony carries a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.

    In addition to your prison sentence and fines, you’ll have:

    • A permanent felony record
    • To face losing your career and any professional license(s)
    • Difficulty gaining employment or finding a place to live
    • Risk of deportation, visa denial, or citizenship revocation

    Violent Crime Lawyer Columbia, MO | Criminal Defense Near Columbia, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Your Future is on the Line — Get Help Today From a Combs Waterkotte Columbia, MO Violent Crime Lawyer

    Being accused of a violent crime in Columbia, MO is serious, but the right defense can make all the difference. A knowledgeable violent crime lawyer can analyze your case, challenge the prosecution, and work aggressively to protect your rights.

    Don’t wait—call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free consultation in Columbia, MO.

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