St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys

231 S Bemiston Ave
Suite 1100
St. Louis, MO 63105

St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyers | St. Louis Office Information

Aggressive, Experienced, and Trusted St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving All of Missouri

The St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte provide relentless criminal defense representation to individuals in St. Louis, St. Louis County, and across Missouri. Our team of seasoned criminal defense lawyers is committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your freedom. Whether you’re facing DWI/DUI charges, felony accusations, violent crime allegations, or sex crime charges, we have the experience and dedication to fight back.

When you’re up against the criminal justice system in St. Louis, you need a law firm that knows how to win. Prosecutors work hard to convict—Combs Waterkotte works harder to defend. If you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor charge, from drug offenses and domestic violence to traffic violations and white-collar crimes, our team is prepared to challenge every aspect of the case against you.

The decisions you make today can impact the rest of your life. Call (314) 900-HELP now for a free consultation with a St. Louis criminal defense lawyer who knows how to fight and win. Our attorneys serve clients facing criminal charges in St. Louis and throughout the entire state of Missouri.

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas in St. Louis, MO

Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Louis, MO

Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri, serving St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Lincoln County, Warren County, and Camden County, and clients throughout the greater St. Louis metro area. 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, our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys act fast to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and fight for reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal. From consultation through trial, we deliver clear communication and relentless advocacy. Contact Combs Waterkotte today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Louis, MO.

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas in St. Louis, Missouri

Combs Waterkotte’s Missouri criminal defense attorneys have successfully handled over 10,000 cases. We have dedicated our lives to helping good people in bad situations, just like you.

We can help you find the best resolution possible to your criminal case in St. Louis, no matter the charge. Common cases we handle include:

Felonies Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

A felony in Missouri is any crime that carries a potential prison term longer than one year:

Class A Felony — Minimum of 10 years and no more than 30 years in prison, or life in prison.
Class B Felony — At least five but no more than 15 years in prison.
Class C Felony — Between three and 10 years in prison.
Class D Felony — Up to seven years in prison.
Class E Felony — Up to four years in prison.

Other potential consequences of a felony conviction include loss of rights such as voting and firearms, difficulty finding housing and employment, and loss of professional licenses.

Common felonies charged in St. Louis include:

Violent Crimes — such as murder, aggravated assault, and other offenses involving serious bodily harm.
Domestic Violence — including domestic assault, violations of protective orders, and repeat domestic offenses.
Sex Crimes — including rape, statutory rape, child pornography charges, and other sex offense allegations.
Drug Crimes — such as possession, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing of controlled substances.
Theft & Property Crimes — including burglary, robbery, stealing, and fraud-related offenses.
Weapons Charges — including unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.
White Collar Crimes — such as fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes.

Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

A misdemeanor in Missouri is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in jail, along with fines and other court-ordered penalties:

Class A Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
Class B Misdemeanor — Up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Class C Misdemeanor — Up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $750.
Class D Misdemeanor — A fine of up to $500 and possible community service or probation.
Unclassified Misdemeanor — Penalties vary depending on the statute.

Common misdemeanors charged in St. Louis include:

First-Time DWI — including standard DWI and related alcohol offenses.
Drug Possession — involving small quantities of controlled substances.
Petty Theft & Shoplifting — low-value stealing and retail theft charges.
Property Damage — including vandalism and minor destruction of property.
Driving While Suspended or Revoked — license-related criminal traffic charges.
Disorderly Conduct & Peace Disturbance — public disturbance and related offenses.

While misdemeanors carry lighter penalties than felonies, a conviction can still result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Early legal representation can often lead to reduced charges, diversion programs, or dismissal.

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

A DWI in St. Louis is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and a permanent criminal record. Repeat DWI offenses and cases involving injury or high blood alcohol content may be charged as felonies. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts, making early legal intervention critical.

Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis DWI defense lawyers defend DWI cases by carefully examining every aspect of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing procedures, and law enforcement conduct. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys challenge unlawful stops, improper testing methods, and unreliable chemical test results while pursuing reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or case dismissal whenever possible. From administrative license hearings to courtroom defense, we work to protect your driving privileges and your future.

Violent Crimes Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Violent crime charges in St. Louis carry some of the most severe penalties under Missouri law, including lengthy prison sentences and, in certain cases, life imprisonment. Offenses such as murder, aggravated assault, armed criminal action, and robbery are aggressively prosecuted in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts. A conviction can permanently damage your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities.

Combs Waterkotte defends individuals accused of violent crimes by conducting thorough investigations, analyzing forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging the prosecution’s narrative at every stage. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys work to expose weaknesses in the state’s case, assert self-defense or other legal defenses when applicable, and pursue reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal at trial. When your freedom is on the line, we provide strategic, aggressive representation focused on results.

Domestic Violence Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Domestic violence charges in St. Louis can result in jail time, protective orders, loss of firearm rights, and long-term damage to your reputation and family relationships. Allegations such as domestic assault, violations of orders of protection, stalking, and related offenses are taken extremely seriously in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts. Even a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction can carry significant personal and professional consequences.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients accused of domestic violence by carefully examining the evidence, identifying inconsistencies in witness statements, and challenging false or exaggerated allegations. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys work to protect your rights in both criminal proceedings and related protection order hearings, while pursuing reduced charges, dismissal, or favorable resolutions whenever possible. We understand the urgency and sensitivity of these cases and act quickly to safeguard your future.

Drug Charges Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Drug charges in St. Louis range from misdemeanor possession to serious felony allegations involving distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing of controlled substances. A conviction can result in jail or prison time, steep fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Prosecutors in St. Louis City and St. Louis County aggressively pursue drug offenses, particularly those involving larger quantities, firearms, or prior convictions.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing drug charges by scrutinizing search and seizure procedures, challenging unlawful traffic stops and warrantless searches, and examining the handling and testing of alleged controlled substances. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys work to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiate reduced charges when appropriate, and fight for dismissal or acquittal at trial. Early intervention can significantly impact the outcome of a drug case and help protect your future.

Sex Crimes Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Sex crime charges in St. Louis carry some of the most severe and life-altering consequences under Missouri law. Allegations such as rape, statutory rape, child pornography offenses, and other sexual misconduct charges can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent reputational harm. These cases are aggressively prosecuted in St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts.

Combs Waterkotte defends individuals accused of sex crimes with discretion, strategic investigation, and meticulous case analysis. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys carefully examine digital evidence, forensic findings, witness credibility, and law enforcement procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We work to protect your constitutional rights, challenge unreliable accusations, and pursue dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal whenever possible.

Weapons Offenses Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Weapons charges in St. Louis can carry serious criminal penalties, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, and the loss of firearm rights. Offenses such as unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action, and weapons-related enhancements tied to other alleged crimes are aggressively prosecuted in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts. A conviction can have lasting consequences that affect your freedom and your future.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing weapons charges by closely examining the circumstances of the stop, search, or arrest, as well as the legality of firearm possession under Missouri and federal law. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys challenge unlawful searches, improper seizures, and overcharged allegations while pursuing reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal when possible. We act quickly to protect your rights and limit the long-term impact of a weapons offense.

Theft & Property Crimes Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Theft and property crime charges in St. Louis can range from misdemeanor stealing to serious felony offenses carrying significant prison exposure. Allegations such as burglary, robbery, stealing, receiving stolen property, and property damage are aggressively prosecuted in St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts. Depending on the value involved and the circumstances of the case, a conviction can result in jail or prison time, restitution, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients accused of theft and property crimes by analyzing surveillance footage, witness statements, forensic evidence, and the prosecution’s proof of intent. Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys challenge weak identification evidence, dispute valuation claims, and pursue reduced charges, diversion options, or case dismissal whenever possible. We work to protect your record, your reputation, and your future opportunities.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Juvenile crime charges in St. Louis involve minors accused of offenses ranging from theft and drug possession to assault and more serious felony-level allegations. While the juvenile justice system is designed to focus on rehabilitation, a conviction or adjudication can still result in detention, probation, court-ordered programs, and long-term consequences for education and future opportunities. In certain cases, prosecutors may seek to certify a juvenile to stand trial as an adult, significantly increasing potential penalties.

Combs Waterkotte represents minors and their families throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County, working to protect a young person’s record and future. Our attorneys challenge the evidence, advocate for diversion programs and alternative sentencing options, and fight to keep cases in juvenile court whenever possible. We understand the stakes for both the child and the family and provide strategic, compassionate defense at every stage of the process.

Federal Crimes Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Federal criminal charges in St. Louis are prosecuted in U.S. District Court and often carry significantly harsher penalties than state offenses. Allegations such as federal drug trafficking, firearms offenses, wire and mail fraud, conspiracy charges, and other white-collar crimes are investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF. A federal conviction can result in substantial prison time under strict sentencing guidelines, steep fines, and long-term collateral consequences.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing federal charges with a strategic, detail-oriented approach from the earliest stages of investigation. Our attorneys analyze federal indictments, challenge unlawful searches and seizures, examine complex financial or digital evidence, and negotiate with federal prosecutors when appropriate. When necessary, we are prepared to aggressively defend our clients at trial to protect their rights and their future.

Speak With a St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are under investigation or have been arrested in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or surrounding counties, do not wait to get experienced legal representation. The prosecution is already building a case against you. Combs Waterkotte acts quickly to protect your rights, evaluate your legal options, and develop a strategic defense tailored to your situation. Contact our St. Louis criminal defense lawyers online or call (314) 900-HELP today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

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Facing criminal charges in Missouri or Southern Illinois? The legal team at Combs Waterkotte is ready to fight for you. Whether you’re dealing with a DWI/DUI, felony, sex crime, violent offense, or other criminal charge, we provide aggressive defense and personalized legal strategies to protect your future. Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation.