What to do after you’re arrested in St. Louis: A step-by-step legal guide. We get it, nobody really wakes up in the morning thinking, I can’t wait to get arrested today. Getting arrested in St. Louis is no walk in the park, but your immediate next moves can drastically shape the outcome. Every word you say, every form you sign, and every decision you make from that moment forward can have long-term consequences. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or DWI charge in St. Louis, the key to protecting yourself is understanding the process. And acting fast.
If you’re arrested anywhere in the St. Louis area—day or night, weekday or weekend—call the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our lawyers have over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience and have successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Blog Summary
Getting arrested can be frightening, but what you do next can determine your future. In this step-by-step guide, the criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte explain exactly what to do after an arrest in St. Louis. Learn how to protect your rights, when to stay silent, what to expect during booking and bail, and why contacting an experienced St. Louis criminal defense lawyer immediately is crucial. This guide also covers common mistakes to avoid, how local courts process criminal cases, and the fastest ways to secure your release. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, this article helps you stay informed, stay calm, and take control of your defense from day one.
Why the First 24-48 Hours After Your Arrest Matter
If you or someone you know was arrested in St. Louis, chances are they were taken to the St. Louis City Justice Center (CJC), the main jail located at 200 S. Tucker Blvd. From there, things can move quickly. You might be booked, assigned a bond amount, or transferred to another facility if your case is handled at the state level.
From the patrol car to the booking desk, everything you say and do is being documented. Early decisions, like talking to police without counsel or consenting to a search, can create evidence that’s hard to undo. The good news: you have rights. Use them, and you give your St. Louis criminal defense attorney room to fight.
Here are the steps to follow after an arrest in St. Louis:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Do Not Resist
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, stay calm and avoid resisting. Resisting arrest, even verbally, can result in additional charges. Keep your hands visible and cooperate with lawful commands. Officers’ bodycams record everything, and remaining composed helps your attorney later argue that you acted responsibly.
Our counsel’s counsel: Never argue your innocence at the scene. Save your side of the story for your St. Louis criminal defense lawyer.
Step 2: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
After providing your basic identifying information (name, date of birth, address), you don’t have to answer any other questions. Politely say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak with my attorney.”
Our counsel’s counsel: Do not try to explain, justify, or apologize. Those statements are often recorded and can be used against you later.
Step 3: Contact a St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Before signing any documents or answering further questions, request legal counsel. A St. Louis criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can:
- Communicate with police and prosecutors on your behalf
- Verify your charges and custody status
- Begin working on bond or release immediately
- Protect your rights during interrogation and booking
Our counsel’s counsel: The sooner we get involved, the faster we can help secure your release. Our criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis are available 24/7 for emergency calls, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Step 4: Finding Out Where You’re Being Held
While it’s likely that you’ll be booked at the CJC, you or your family can confirm your location with the St. Louis City Inmate Locator. You’ll need your full name and date of birth.
If you’re charged at the state level, you might be transferred to a St. Louis County or regional facility.
Our counsel’s counsel: Your St. Louis criminal defense attorney has the expertise and resources to quickly locate you and verify what charges have been filed.
Step 5: Understanding Bail and Release in St. Louis
Getting out of jail is your first priority, and how you do it depends on your case type and bond amount. There are several types of bail in St. Louis:
- 1. Cash Bond
You pay the full amount in cash directly to the jail or courthouse. Once your case concludes, the court may refund part of the bond (minus fees or fines). - Must be paid in cash only, no checks or credit cards
- Bring a valid photo ID and booking or case number
- 2. Surety Bond
You work with a licensed bail bondsman who posts the bond for you. You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10%) of the total bail amount. - 3. Release on Recognizance (R.O.R.)
For first-time or non-violent offenders, the judge may allow release without payment if you promise to appear in court. Having strong community ties, like family, employment, or no prior record, increases your chances. - 4. Property Bond
In rare cases, you can use property as collateral, but this requires proof of ownership and court approval.
Our counsel’s counsel: A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in St. Louis can guide you through the bail/bond and release specifics to be sure to avoid any delays.
Step 6: Don’t Consent to Searches Without a Warrant
Police may ask to search your phone, vehicle, or home. Unless they have a warrant, you have the right to refuse. Say clearly: “I do not consent to any searches.”
Our counsel’s counsel: Even if law enforcement proceeds, your St. Louis criminal defense attorney can challenge the legality of that search later in court.
Step 7: Preserve Evidence & Witness Information
As soon as possible, document everything you can remember:
- What time and exact location where you were arrested
- Names of officers and witnesses
- Any statements made by police
- Details about any searches or property seized
Our counsel’s counsel: This information can become crucial in identifying misconduct or procedural errors. Don’t share it on social media, only with your criminal defense lawyer.
Step 8: Your First Court Appearance (Arraignment)
Within 48 hours of your arrest, you’ll likely appear before a judge at the Carnahan Courthouse or another St. Louis-area court. The judge will:
- Formally read your charges
- Confirm or modify your bail
- Set your next court date
Our counsel’s counsel: At arraignment, your criminal defense attorney can argue for reduced bail, enter a not-guilty plea, and start negotiating early with the prosecutor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Arrest in St. Louis
Even a small mistake can jeopardize your case in St. Louis or get your bond revoked. Let your St. Louis criminal defense attorney manage communications and conditions to keep you protected, and to avoid these mistakes:
- Talking about your case with anyone except your lawyer
- Posting or texting about your arrest
- Contacting alleged victims or witnesses
- Missing court appearances
- Failing to comply with release conditions
How Combs Waterkotte Can Help After Your Arrest in St. Louis
Our team defends clients across Greater St. Louis in every stage of the criminal process, from arrest and bail hearings to trial and post-conviction relief. Whether you’re facing assault, DWI, drug possession, or felony charges, we fight to protect your record, reputation, and freedom. No matter the charge in St. Louis, we act fast to:
- Locate you or a loved one in custody
- File emergency motions for bond or release
- Begin building a powerful defense strategy before charges are finalized
Arrested in St. Louis? Call the Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
The first 24-48 hours after an arrest in St. Louis are critical. Don’t navigate them alone. With an experienced defense team on your side, you can minimize the damage, fight unfair charges, and get your life back on track.
Call Combs Waterkotte today for immediate help at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
