A criminal defense lawyer in Granite City, IL is a legal advocate who defends individuals facing criminal charges in state courts, ensuring their rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
Facing criminal charges in Granite City, IL? You deserve a legal team that understands the local system and knows how to win. Combs Waterkotte‘s Granite City, IL criminal defense lawyers offer experienced, strategic, and client-focused representation for clients in Granite City and across Southern Illinois.
No matter the charge — whether it’s a DUI, a drug case, or a major felony — we’re here to fight for the best possible outcome.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
- What a criminal defense lawyer in Granite City, IL does — and why hiring someone local matters
- Which types of criminal charges we handle most often, including DUI, assault, drug cases, and more
- How we defend our clients using rapid response, fact-finding, and strong trial strategies
- A breakdown of the legal journey: booking, court appearances, motions, and resolution
- What to look for in a criminal defense lawyer — and how Combs Waterkotte stands apart
- What to do right now if you’re facing criminal accusations — and how to protect yourself
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How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 60 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Why Hire a Local Granite City, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer?
In criminal cases, local experience matters. A defense lawyer who knows Granite City, IL courts inside and out can help you avoid costly mistakes. Southern Illinois courts each have their own prosecutors and personalities, and navigating them takes more than textbook legal knowledge.
Here’s why choosing a truly local criminal defense attorney makes a difference:
- We know the players. No two courtrooms are the same. We understand how individual judges approach cases and what local prosecutors consider during plea negotiations.
- We know the process. Our familiarity with programs, policies, and procedures helps us keep your case moving efficiently.
- We’re close by. If you’re arrested or called in for questioning, we’re already nearby and ready to move.
- We have a reputation. Combs Waterkotte is known and respected throughout Southern Illinois for strong advocacy, thorough preparation, and real results.
With a local defense lawyer, you’re not just hiring legal skill — you’re getting someone who knows how to navigate your courthouse.
What Criminal Charges Do We Defend in Granite City, IL?
Each criminal case is different, but every client deserves the right to be heard and defended. Combs Waterkotte’s Granite City, IL criminal defense lawyers represent clients across Southern Illinois facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Here are the offenses we most frequently defend:
- DUI: Whether it’s a first offense or a repeat arrest, we fight to protect your license, limit penalties, and challenge breath or blood test evidence whenever possible.
- Drug Possession and Trafficking: We handle everything from first-time drug possession to complex trafficking cases — always aiming to protect your freedom and future.
- Assault and Battery: From bar fights to felonies, we defend assault and battery cases by exposing inconsistencies in evidence and asserting your right to a fair trial.
- Domestic Battery: We take a thoughtful but firm approach to domestic battery cases, balancing legal strategy with concern for your relationships and future stability.
- Theft and Burglary: Whether it’s shoplifting, robbery, or breaking and entering, we work to get charges reduced or dismissed by challenging weak evidence.
- Weapons Charges: We defend clients accused of unlawful possession, concealed carry violations, or weapon enhancements tied to other charges.
- White Collar Crimes: These cases are high-stakes and often complex — we help clients protect their names, their careers, and their future.
- Sex Offenses: The consequences of a sex offense charge can last a lifetime — we provide aggressive, private, and judgment-free representation.
- Juvenile Defense: Juvenile cases require a balance of strong legal defense and advocacy for second chances — and that’s what we deliver.
- Probation Violations: If you’re accused of violating probation — missing a hearing, failing a drug test, or picking up a new charge — we help protect your freedom.
Just because you’re accused doesn’t mean you’re convicted — and we’re here to make sure you don’t go through this process by yourself. Our job is to help you regain control — by clarifying your options, protecting your rights, and preparing you for what comes next.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend Charges in Granite City, IL
We don’t wait for court to start building your case — your defense begins on day one. Our Granite City, IL criminal defense lawyers take a proactive, strategic approach to every case, using our experience and insight to put you in the best possible position from the start.
What does a strong defense look like? Here’s what we focus on:
- Early Intervention: Timing matters. We get involved quickly to protect your rights, advise you before police questioning, and take steps to limit the damage before charges are even filed.
- Independent Investigation: We don’t rely solely on the prosecution’s version of events. We dig into every detail to uncover the full story.
- Pretrial Motions: Often, we’re able to get key evidence thrown out — or the entire case dismissed — by holding the prosecution accountable to proper procedures.
- Tactical Negotiation: If a plea deal is in your best interest, we aim for the best possible terms by showing the prosecution we’re ready to fight.
- Trial-Ready Representation: We build a strong narrative, line up expert witnesses when needed, and present your defense with clarity and impact.
- Client-Centered Advocacy: We don’t treat you like a case number. We listen to your priorities, answer your questions, and make sure you’re involved in every decision.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Granite City, IL tailor every strategy to your specific case and personal goals — so you know you’re being heard and defended.
What Happens After an Arrest in Granite City, IL?
Being arrested is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face — especially if it’s your first time. Knowing the steps ahead can help you avoid critical missteps and feel more confident in your next move.
These are the steps you can expect after getting arrested in Granite City, IL:
- Booking: After your arrest, you’ll be taken to the local jail for processing. You’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and formally charged as part of the booking process.
- Bond Hearing: Shortly after arrest, you’ll attend a bond hearing where a judge decides your release terms. We advocate aggressively for your release or for the lowest possible bond.
- Arraignment: This is your first formal court appearance. The judge will read the charges against you, and you’ll enter a plea. Our job is to make sure you’re informed, supported, and legally protected at this stage.
- Discovery and Pretrial Motions: This phase is the foundation of your defense strategy. We examine the prosecution’s case, challenge any questionable evidence, and file motions that could limit or eliminate charges.
- Plea or Trial: We weigh the facts, evaluate your goals, and determine whether a plea deal or trial is the right path. Whatever direction your case takes, we provide strong guidance and skilled advocacy.
When should you hire a lawyer?
Right away. Early involvement means more opportunities to protect your rights and shape the case in your favor.
Can charges be dropped before trial?
Absolutely. In many cases, charges can be dismissed or reduced through effective pretrial motions, lack of evidence, or successful negotiation. We look for legal and factual weaknesses the prosecution may not expect us to challenge.
How to Choose the Right Granite City, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer
Your choice of defense lawyer can impact not just your case, but your future. Still, with countless options, it can be hard to know who to trust.
Here’s what to look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Granite City, IL:
- Local Experience: Knowing the personalities and patterns of the local courts gives your defense a real edge.
- Track Record of Results: Ask about outcomes in cases like yours. Dismissals, reduced charges, and not-guilty verdicts are all signs you’re working with a proven advocate.
- Responsive Communication: You should never be left in the dark about your own case. A good lawyer explains things clearly, answers questions quickly, and keeps you updated every step of the way.
- Trial Readiness: Even if a plea is possible, your attorney should be prepared to argue your case before a judge or jury.
- Client-Focused Approach: A strong defense starts with understanding you — your background, your goals, and your side of the story.
Our Granite City, IL criminal defense attorneys combine courtroom experience with a life-long passion for defending the rights of the accused. We’re here to defend your future and help you move forward with confidence.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Southern Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Talk to a Granite City, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
The choices you make right now — even before charges are filed — can affect your future for years to come. You need a criminal defense lawyer in Granite City, IL who knows the local courts, understands the stakes, and is ready to fight for you from the very first conversation.
Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us hear your side, walk you through your legal options, and start planning a defense that puts you in the strongest possible position.
