Criminal Defense Attorney Springfield, MO

Criminal defense attorney in Springfield, MO. Being arrested or accused of a crime can be one of the most overwhelming moments of your life. But a criminal charge is not the end of your story. With an experienced criminal defense attorney in Springfield, MO from Combs Waterkotte by your side, you can protect your rights, fight for your freedom, and move forward with confidence.

At Combs Waterkotte, our mission is clear: deliver exceptional legal defense and life-changing results. Our Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys represent clients in every type of case, from misdemeanors to major felonies and federal offenses. We take a personal, aggressive, and strategic approach to ensure every client gets the strongest possible defense. We know that good people sometimes find themselves in difficult situations—and we believe everyone deserves a second chance and a strong defense.

Our legal team has over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience and has handled over 10,000 cases just like yours. Our record of success speaks for itself, reflecting our unwavering commitment to results and respect. If you’re facing a criminal charge in the Springfield, MO area, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, confidential consultation.

Overview of This Article

If you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime in Springfield, MO, your choice of attorney can determine your future. This page covers everything you need to know about criminal defense in Springfield, MO and across Missouri, from felony and misdemeanor classifications to federal cases, sentencing guidelines, and how Combs Waterkotte protects your rights.

Inside this guide, you’ll discover:

• What to do immediately after an arrest in Springfield, MO
• How state and federal prosecutions differ
• The penalties for Missouri felonies and misdemeanors
• How our attorneys defend clients in drug, assault, fraud, DUI, sex crime, and homicide cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte is recognized as Springfield, MO’s leading criminal defense firm
• How our experience and strategy can help you secure the best possible outcome in Springfield, MO.

Steps to Take After an Arrest in Springfield, MO

Being arrested can be frightening and confusing—especially if it’s your first time dealing with the Springfield, MO criminal justice system. The steps you take in the hours following your arrest can have a major impact on your case’s outcome. Here are the steps to take immediately if you or someone you love has been arrested in Springfield, MO:

Step 1: Stay Calm and Cooperate

Even if you feel the arrest is unjust, stay calm and don’t argue with the police. Resisting arrest, physically or verbally, can quickly lead to additional criminal charges in Springfield, MO. Stay respectful, keep your hands visible, and do not make any sudden moves. How you handle this moment can influence how your case unfolds later.

Step 2: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. After providing basic identifying information (name, date of birth, address), you are not required to answer any questions about the alleged crime. Politely say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I would like to speak with my attorney.” Do not try to explain, justify, or talk your way out of the arrest, those statements can and will be used by prosecutors later.

Step 3: Get a Springfield, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Before you answer any questions or sign anything, make it clear that you want to speak with your attorney. This is your constitutional right, and invoking it is one of the most important decisions you can make. When you have an experienced Springfield, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte on your side from the very beginning, you can be confident that:

• Law enforcement and investigators must go through your lawyer for all communication
• Your legal rights will be protected at every stage of the process
• We can begin gathering evidence immediately to strengthen your defense in Springfield, MO
• Our attorneys are available 24/7 for emergency calls after an arrest in Springfield, MO—day or night.

Step 4: Keep Details of Your Springfield, MO Case Private

Do not discuss your arrest or charges with friends, family, or anyone else—especially online or through text. Prosecutors can subpoena social media posts, messages, or even casual statements made to others. Only speak about your Springfield, MO case with your attorney and legal team.

Step 5: Refuse Searches Without a Warrant

Police may ask to look through your phone, your car, or even your home—but unless they show a legitimate warrant, you can and should say no. Politely respond, “I don’t consent to any searches.” You have every right to protect your privacy and property from unlawful investigation in the Springfield, MO area.

Unlawful or warrantless searches often lead to suppressed evidence, meaning it cannot be used against you in court.

Step 6: Work to Secure Bail or Release

After being booked into a Springfield, MO detention facility, you may qualify for bail or release on your own recognizance, depending on the charges. An experienced Springfield, MO criminal defense attorney can act quickly to:

• Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
• Argue for pretrial release so you can stay with your family
• Work with bail bondsmen to secure your freedom quickly
• Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with your defense

Step 7: Document Everything You Remember

As soon as possible, write down everything you can recall about the arrest—including what officers said or did, the time and location, any witnesses present, and any searches conducted. These details may become vital later in identifying police misconduct or procedural errors.

If you choose a Combs Waterkotte Springfield, MO criminal defense attorney, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated criminal defense attorney in and around Springfield, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to trustworthy criminal defense attorneys, our team is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Springfield and beyond:

A Comprehensive Springfield, MO Criminal Defense Firm

At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing every type of criminal charge—from minor traffic violations and misdemeanors to the most serious felony and federal cases.

We provide comprehensive legal defense across a full range of practice areas in and around Springfield, MO, including:

• DWI Defense
• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Drug Charges & Possession
• Drug Trafficking
• Weapons & Gun Crimes
• Sex Crimes
• Theft & Larceny
• Credit Card & Financial Fraud
• Homicide & Manslaughter
• Probation Violations
• Motor Vehicle Tampering
• View all practice areas

Springfield, MO Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges at the federal level is a far different, and far more intimidating, experience than state prosecution. Federal prosecutors are backed by immense resources, extensive investigations, and a conviction rate exceeding 90%, according to Pew Research.

The federal criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte know exactly how to level the playing field. Our Springfield, MO defense team has extensive experience handling high-profile and complex cases, going toe-to-toe with the Department of Justice to protect our clients’ freedom. We represent individuals accused of a wide variety of federal crimes, including:

• Federal Drug Trafficking
• Federal Wire Fraud
• Federal Mail Fraud
• Federal Internet Fraud
• Federal Tax Evasions & Fraud
• Federal White Collar Crimes
• Federal Espionage & National Security Violations
• Federal Computer & Cyber Crimes
• Federal Kidnapping
• Federal Embezzlement
• Federal Conspiracy

We understand that federal prosecutors are driven to win. They often push for plea bargains that result in lengthy prison sentences and lifelong records. Our firm’s approach is different—we challenge the evidence, expose procedural errors, and fight to have charges dismissed or reduced before they ever reach a plea stage.

Learn more about how we handle Springfield, MO federal criminal cases, what makes them unique, and how they are different from state cases.

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Springfield Criminal Convictions and Their Impact in Missouri

Even a seemingly minor conviction in Springfield, MO can have serious and lasting consequences. A misdemeanor might bring fines, probation, or time in county jail, while a felony conviction can result in years in state prison and the permanent loss of certain civil rights. This can include your ability to vote, own firearms, or pursue specific careers.

Missouri law bars convicted felons from owning firearms, serving on juries, or holding public office. Many must also disclose their conviction status when applying for jobs or housing, creating lasting barriers even after they’ve served their time.

However, there is hope. Missouri law provides ways to restore your rights, including expungement, pardon, or record sealing. The Springfield, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore your post-conviction options and start reclaiming your freedom.

Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in Springfield, MO

Felonies in Missouri are classified by severity, each carrying its own range of punishments:

• Class A Felony — 10 to 30 years in state prison, or life imprisonment
• Class B Felony — at least 5 but no more than 15 years in prison
• Class C Felony — 3 to 10 years in prison
• Class D Felony — up to 7 years in prison
• Class E Felony — no more than 4 years in prison

Certain aggravating factors, such as using a weapon, prior convictions, or crimes involving hate-based motives, can raise a charge to a higher class, resulting in harsher penalties. However, an experienced Springfield, MO criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction in charges, secure a diversion program, or even achieve a full dismissal depending on the circumstances of your case.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Springfield, MO

Not all criminal charges are felonies, but even a misdemeanor in Missouri can have serious consequences if it’s not properly addressed. Misdemeanors are classified into four categories, each with different potential penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail; a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
• Class C Misdemeanor — Up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor — Fines up to $500

The good news? Many misdemeanor offenders are eligible for alternatives to jail — such as probation, diversion programs, or record expungement. The dedicated Springfield, MO defense team at Combs Waterkotte will fight to keep your record clean and your life on track.

Why Hire Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Springfield, MO?

When your freedom and reputation are at stake, experience and strategy make all the difference. At Combs Waterkotte, our defense philosophy is built on preparation, client trust, and a proven record of results. With over six decades of combined experience, our team offers unmatched dedication and insight into the Springfield, MO court system:

• Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re available 24/7 in Springfield, MO and beyond, and we take the time to understand your priorities, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every stage. You are never just another case file—you are our focus.
• Trial-Tested Defense: We prepare every Springfield, MO case as though it will go before a judge, giving us leverage to secure better outcomes in negotiations. Prosecutors know which attorneys are prepared to go to trial and which aren’t.
• Unmatched Resources: Our firm works with expert witnesses, investigators, and forensic specialists to find the facts others overlook, and to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Proven Local Experience in Springfield. MO: With decades of combined courtroom experience in Springfield, MO and across Missouri, our criminal defense attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and unique procedures in local courts—and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

When your future is on the line, you deserve a criminal defense team in Springfield, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Springfield, MO

What should I do first if I’m arrested in Springfield, MO?

The most important thing is to stay calm and say nothing until you speak with a lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact Combs Waterkotte immediately—our team can guide you through what to expect, handle communications with law enforcement, and start building your defense from day one.

What’s the difference between state and federal charges?

State charges usually involve violations of Missouri laws and are handled by local prosecutors. Federal charges involve the U.S. government and typically include more serious crimes, like large-scale drug trafficking or fraud. Federal cases carry harsher penalties and require an attorney with specific federal court experience, like the team at Combs Waterkotte.

Can I avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Springfield, MO?

Yes. Depending on your case, our Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys may negotiate probation, suspended sentences, diversion programs, or treatment alternatives instead of jail time—especially for first-time offenders.

Will a conviction stay on my record permanently?

Not necessarily. Missouri law allows for the expungement of certain criminal convictions after a set waiting period. Our Springfield, MO criminal defense lawyers can review your case, determine if you qualify, and guide you through the process of clearing your record for good.

What if I’ve been charged with a felony but have no prior offenses?

Judges often treat first-time offenders more leniently. A clean record can be a powerful mitigating factor that may result in probation, reduced penalties, or dismissal of charges altogether. The right Springfield, MO attorney can make sure your clean history works in your favor.

Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already entered a guilty plea?

Yes. Our attorneys regularly handle post-conviction relief cases, including appeals, motions for sentence reduction, and other remedies. Contact us right away—strict time limits may apply to your case, so acting quickly is essential.

Protect Your Rights and Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Springfield, MO’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm Now

Choosing the right lawyer can make the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time behind bars. Don’t risk your freedom or your future with an inexperienced attorney or a public defender overloaded with cases. Unlike other criminal Springfield, MO defense attorneys, we aren’t afraid of doing whatever it takes to prove your innocence—including going to trial.

Our clients are never just case numbers. You’ll have direct access to your Springfield, MO criminal defense lawyer 24/7, no matter the hour, day, or circumstance.

Don’t gamble with your future. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule your free case review. We’re ready to start building your defense and protecting your freedom—today.