Defending Freedom

Defending Freedom

By Combs WaterkotteTrue Crime
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Defending Freedom episodes

  • What if the Accusation is Retaliation or Revenge?

    What if the Accusation Is Retaliation or Revenge? Attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, and more.

    If you suspect the accusation is retaliation or revenge in Illinois, document everything, including messages, interactions, or evidence of potential motives, and share this information with your attorney immediately. Retaliatory accusations can sometimes be challenged through inconsistencies in the accuser's story or evidence of ulterior motives. Your attorney may use this information to challenge credibility or establish potential bias. Do not confront the accuser.

    Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois

    Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal and felony defense law firm serving Chicago, Cook County, and communities throughout Illinois and Missouri.

    Our sex crime defense attorneys fight to protect your freedom, constitutional rights, and future. Our exceptional record and over 600 reviews speak for themselves. If you are facing sex crime charges in Illinois, we can help. Call us at (618) 88-CRIME in Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Our sex crimes defense lawyers serve Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, McHenry County, Kendall County, Kankakee County, and communities throughout Illinois.

    Combs Waterkotte provides aggressive criminal defense for sex crimes, violent crimes, DUI, weapons charges, and serious felony charges. If you're under investigation or have been arrested for a sex crime, our Illinois criminal defense attorneys act quickly to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and pursue reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal whenever possible.

    From your initial consultation through trial, our attorneys provide clear communication, strategic representation, and dedicated advocacy. Contact Combs Waterkotte today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

    When you are facing a sex crime charge or arrest in Illinois, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and life-altering. Sex crime cases often involve complex investigations, aggressive prosecutors, and harsh sentencing guidelines, making experienced legal representation essential.

    Our Illinois criminal defense attorneys fight relentlessly to protect your constitutional rights, challenge unlawful searches, flawed evidence, and procedural errors, and pursue reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal whenever possible. We take the time to understand the unique facts of your case and maintain clear, honest communication throughout every stage of the criminal defense process.

    • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
    • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
  • Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
  • Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
  • Rape Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
  • 2 min
  • How Can a Defense Lawyer Prove an Allegation is False?

    A defense lawyer can challenge a false allegation by:

    • Finding alibis (receipts, GPS records, witnesses).
    • Exposing inconsistencies in the accuser's story.
    • Presenting contradictory evidence (texts, emails, videos).
    • Identifying potential motives for false accusations (revenge, custody battles).
    • Highlighting weaknesses or gaps in the physical evidence.
    • Using expert testimony.

    Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the allegations, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and work to establish reasonable doubt.

    Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois

    Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal and felony defense law firm serving Chicago, Cook County, and communities throughout Illinois and Missouri.

    When you are facing a sex crime charge or arrest in Illinois, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and life-altering. Sex crime cases often involve complex investigations, aggressive prosecutors, and harsh sentencing guidelines, making experienced legal representation essential.

    Our Illinois criminal defense attorneys fight relentlessly to protect your constitutional rights, challenge unlawful searches, flawed evidence, and procedural errors, and pursue reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal whenever possible. We take the time to understand the unique facts of your sex crime case and maintain clear, honest communication throughout every stage of the criminal defense process.

    • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
    • Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Illinois
    • Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Criminal Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
    • Human Sex Trafficking Lawyer in Southern Illinois
    • Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
    • Criminal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Rape Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    3 min
  • What if the Accusation is Connected to Child Custody?

    What if the Accusation Is Connected to Child Custody? Attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois sex crime charges, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, and more.

    If the accusation is tied to child custody in Illinois, it can seriously impact your case. Courts prioritize the child's safety, and even unproven allegations may influence custody decisions. Document all interactions, preserve evidence, and inform your attorney immediately. Your attorney can evaluate the accusation's credibility and relevance to custody proceedings. Avoid direct contact with the accuser unless permitted and advised by your attorney, and follow all applicable court orders.

    Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal and felony defense law firm serving Chicago, Cook County, and communities throughout Illinois and Missouri.

    Our sex crime defense attorneys fight to protect your freedom, constitutional rights, and future. Our exceptional record and over 600 reviews speak for themselves. If you are facing sex crime charges in Illinois, we can help. Call us at (618) 88-CRIME in Southern Illinois or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago, Cook County, and Northern Illinois, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    From your initial consultation through trial, our attorneys provide clear communication, strategic representation, and dedicated advocacy. Contact Combs Waterkotte today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Illinois
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in Illinois
    • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Criminal Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Child Molestation Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Child Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Felony Defense Lawyer in Chicago, IL
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in Southern Illinois
    2 min
  • Lindsay Clancy is...NOT GUILTY??

    Could Lindsay Clancy be found NOT GUILTY based on the evidence?

    In this video, a former police officer turned private investigator breaks down the Lindsay Clancy case from an investigative perspective. He examines the evidence, key details surrounding the case, and why the facts may support a not guilty verdict.

    This isn't about ignoring the tragedy of what happened. It's about examining how the criminal justice system determines guilt, intent, and criminal responsibility, and whether the evidence actually meets the legal burden required for a conviction.

    Watch the full breakdown and decide for yourself: Does the evidence prove Lindsay Clancy is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt?

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Murder and Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Child Abuse, Neglect, and Abandonment Lawyer in St. Louis
    4 min
  • The Complete Guide to Criminal Defense in Missouri

    Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm serving Missouri and Illinois, as well as clients nationwide facing federal criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys fight to protect your freedom and constitutional rights, pursuing justice and the best possible outcome for your case. Our exceptional track record and over 600 reviews speak for themselves. If you are facing criminal charges or have already been arrested, we can help. Call us at (314) 900-HELP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    If you are facing criminal charges in Missouri, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and life-altering. Criminal cases can involve aggressive prosecutors, complex evidence, and serious penalties, making experienced legal representation essential. Our Missouri criminal defense attorneys fight relentlessly to protect your constitutional rights, challenge unlawful searches, questionable evidence, and procedural errors, and pursue reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal whenever possible.

    We take the time to understand the unique facts of your case and maintain clear, honest communication throughout every stage of the criminal process. Clients throughout Missouri can trust that their defense will be handled with precision, discretion, and a steadfast commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome.

    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Louis
    • DWI/DUI Lawyer in St. Louis
    • DWI First Offense Lawyer in St. Louis
    • DWI Second Offense Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis
    1 hr 56 min
  • DON'T Do This on Your First Day in Prison

    You've probably heard the classic prison advice: "On your first day, find the biggest guy in the yard and hit him." It's been repeated in movies, TV shows, and prison stories for decades, but is it actually good advice, or could it make your situation a whole lot worse?

    A former correctional officer explains what would REALLY happen if a new inmate walked into prison and immediately tried to fight the biggest, toughest person they could find. From prison politics and inmate hierarchies to respect, reputation, and the unwritten rules everyone is expected to understand, there's a lot more happening behind the scenes than most people realize.

    So, should you actually hit the biggest guy in prison? The reality might be very different from what Hollywood has taught you.

    Subscribe for more firsthand stories about prison, policing, criminal investigations, interrogation tactics, jail culture, and the criminal justice system.

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Assault and Battery Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Probation Violations Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis
    1 min
  • She Never Admitted Guilt

    Did Lindsay Clancy admit that she was guilty? Not exactly. People are mistaking a trial strategy for a guilty plea.

    As the Lindsay Clancy case continues to attract national attention, statements she allegedly made after the deaths of her three children have become a major part of the public conversation. But there’s an important difference between making a statement about what happened and legally admitting guilt.

    With her defense centered heavily on her mental condition at the time of the killings, understanding the difference between admitting an act and admitting criminal responsibility could be critical to understanding the case.

    She may have acknowledged what happened, but did she actually admit she was legally guilty?

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Defense
    • Lack of Intent: Criminal Defense Strategies
    • Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Louis
    • Fifth Amendment Criminal Defense Strategies
    • Fourth Amendment Criminal Defense Strategies
    • Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
    • Capital Crimes and Death Penalty Defense in St. Louis
    3 min
  • The MAJOR Red Flags in Patrick Clancy's Timeline

    Are there MAJOR red flags in Patrick Clancy’s timeline of what happened that night? The Lindsay Clancy case has been analyzed from nearly every angle, but the timeline surrounding the deaths of her three children continues to raise important questions. In this video, a former police officer and investigator examines Patrick Clancy’s reported timeline. Investigators know that in cases this serious, seemingly minor details can matter. Timing, phone records, statements, movements, and whether different pieces of evidence corroborate one another can all become important when reconstructing exactly what happened. Do these details reveal genuine inconsistencies investigators should scrutinize, or are people reading too much into a husband’s actions surrounding an unimaginable tragedy? Here are the parts of Patrick Clancy’s timeline that deserve a closer look.

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Criminal Attorney in St. Louis
    • Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Child Abuse Neglect Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Fourth Amendment Criminal Defense Strategies
    • Fifth Amendment Criminal Defense Strategies
    3 min
  • The Clancy Interview Sessions Part 2

    Was Lindsay Clancy suffering from severe mental illness, and what does the actual evidence tell us? In Part 2 of The Lindsay Clancy Interview Sessions, Andrew Skoklo, a former police officer, Navy veteran, former correctional officer and now investigator, takes a deeper look at one of the most important and controversial questions surrounding the case: Lindsay Clancy’s mental state leading up to the deaths of her three children.

    We examine the reported evidence surrounding her mental health treatment, medications, behavior, statements, and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. The discussion also explores how investigators, attorneys, and ultimately a jury may have to separate what can be proven from speculation and hindsight.

    This case isn’t simply about determining what happened. A central legal question is Lindsay Clancy’s mental state when it happened, and whether the evidence supports the prosecution’s or defense’s interpretation of her actions.

    Part 2 takes a closer look at the evidence, the competing arguments, and the questions that could ultimately determine Lindsay Clancy’s fate.

    Subscribe for more firsthand stories about prison, policing, criminal investigations, interrogation tactics, jail culture, and the criminal justice system.

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • The Role of Mental Health in Criminal Defense Cases
    • Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Defense
    • How Culpable Mental States Apply in Missouri Criminal Law
    • Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Louis
    • Capital Crimes and Death Penalty Defense in St. Louis
    • Lack of Intent: Criminal Defense Strategies in Missouri and Illinois
    17 min
  • The Clancy Interview Sessions - Part 1

    The Lindsay Clancy Interview Sessions - Part 1 of 2

    In this video, Andrew Skoklo - a former police officer, Navy veteran, and correctional officer turned private investigator - breaks down the Lindsay Clancy case from an investigative perspective. He examines the evidence, key details surrounding the case, and why the facts strongly support a not guilty verdict.

    This isn’t about ignoring the tragedy of what happened. It’s about examining how the criminal justice system determines guilt, intent, and criminal responsibility, and whether the evidence actually meets the legal burden required for a conviction.

    Subscribe for more firsthand stories about prison, policing, criminal investigations, interrogation tactics, jail culture, and the criminal justice system.

    • Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
    • Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Federal Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Miranda Rights and Criminal Defense
    • Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
    29 min

About Defending Freedom

From the publisher's feed

Defending Freedom is a podcast with Missouri attorneys Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte that dives into the world of criminal defense, justice, and the critical issues affecting individual rights.…