St. Louis Criminal Defense Firm Combs Waterkotte Secures Dismissal in Drug Possession Case

Combs Waterkotte News

May 30, 2025

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO, UNITED STATES —

Case Number: 17SL-CR03922 — ST V. JACOB DUNCAN, St. Louis County – Circuit Court

Combs Waterkotte entered into Mr. Jacob Duncan’s case nearly eight years after he had been charged with >possession of a controlled substance. Mr. Duncan, now living out of state and raising his children, faced the threat of returning to Missouri to potentially serve a prison sentence of up to seven years in the Department of Corrections.

The firm began working on Mr. Duncan’s behalf in December 2024, immediately after being retained as counsel.

During the eight years the charges lingered on the Court’s docket, a warrant had been issued for Mr. Duncan’s arrest and extradition to St. Louis County jail. As he was living out of state, this would have involved lengthy detention and extradition proceedings. Combs Waterkotte first secured a recall of the warrant without Mr. Duncan needing to return to Missouri, allowing him to remain with his children while the legal process unfolded.

The firm then filed a Motion to Dismiss on grounds that Mr. Duncan’s due process rights had been violated. Despite being charged nearly eight years earlier, the State had taken no action to notify him or secure his appearance. Combs Waterkotte argued this delay was a clear violation of both Missouri and United States constitutional rights to due process and a speedy trial.

The motion was argued in St. Louis County Circuit Court on April 22, 2025. Over the objections of the State, the Judge ruled in favor of Mr. Duncan, and the charges were dismissed.

“We are happy to secure a proper verdict for our client, whose rights were clearly violated,” said Chris Combs, lead Criminal Defense Attorney.

After nearly eight years, Mr. Duncan can now return to normal life with his family and children, free from the legal uncertainty he had faced.

Combs Waterkotte continues to represent individuals throughout Missouri in matters including DWI defense, domestic violence, sex crimes, and more.

Need Missouri’s leading criminal defense team to protect your rights and future? Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

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