Top mistakes to avoid after being charged with a crime in St. Louis. From the moment you’re charged with a crime in St. Louis, everything you say and do is scrutinized—by police, prosecutors, and sometimes the court. Many defendants unintentionally give the government more leverage through avoidable mistakes: talking without a lawyer, venting online, missing court, contacting witnesses, or ignoring release conditions.
At Combs Waterkotte, our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys have seen firsthand how avoidable mistakes can lead to harsher penalties, higher bail, or even convictions that could have been prevented. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled more than 10,000 cases just like yours throughout the St. Louis area and across Missouri.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in St. Louis, and before you do anything else, call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential case review.
Blog Summary
Getting charged with a crime in St. Louis is frightening, and small missteps can make a big case much harder. This guide breaks down the top mistakes people make after an arrest and exactly what to do instead. You’ll learn how to protect your rights, avoid self-incrimination, handle bail and court dates, manage social media, and work with your attorney to pursue dismissals, reductions, or diversion. Whether your case is in Carnahan Courthouse (City), the St. Louis County Circuit Court, or a regional court elsewhere in the area, this article gives you clear, practical steps to safeguard your future.
Below are the most common, and costly, mistakes we see, and how to avoid them so your defense starts strong:
Mistake #1: Talking to Police “to Clear Things Up”
Why it hurts: Officers and detectives are trained interviewers. Even innocent people can make statements that get misinterpreted or taken out of context. Once you speak, your words can be used against you.
What to do instead:
- Invoke your rights immediately and politely: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak with my attorney.”
- Provide basic identifying information only (name, DOB, address)
- Let your St. Louis criminal defense lawyer control all communication with law enforcement.
Mistake #2: Posting or Messaging About Your Case
Why it hurts: Texts, emails, DMs, and social media posts are often subpoenaed. A joke, meme, or “private” message can be spun as an admission or used to impeach your credibility.
What to do instead:
- Go quiet on social media until your case is resolved.
- Don’t discuss facts with friends/family by text—save it for your defense attorney in St. Louis.
- Preserve helpful content (photos, locations, call logs) and share privately with counsel.
Mistake #3: Contacting the Alleged Victim or Witnesses
Why it hurts: Even well-intentioned contact can be portrayed as intimidation or witness tampering, and may violate no-contact orders.
What to do instead:
- No direct contact. If information is important, your St. Louis criminal defense lawyer or investigator will reach out properly.
- Strictly obey protective orders—even if the other person initiates contact.
Mistake #4: Consenting to Searches Without a Warrant
Why it hurts: Voluntary consent waives our powerful defenses. Once you say “yes,” it’s hard to suppress what’s found.
What to do instead:
- Say calmly and assertively: “I do not consent to any searches.”
- If officers search anyway, don’t interfere—document and tell your lawyer.
- Your St. Louis criminal defense attorney may later move to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.
Mistake #5: Missing Court or Arriving Unprepared
Why it hurts: Failing to appear can trigger warrants, higher bail, or harsher offers. Appearing disorganized and/or disheveled signals to the court that you’re not taking the case seriously.
What to do instead:
- Calendar every date and plan your route/parking to Carnahan Courthouse (City) or St. Louis County Circuit Court early.
- Dress respectfully and bring documents your attorney requests.
- If there’s an emergency, contact your St. Louis criminal defense lawyer immediately—often they can move to reset before a warrant issues.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Bond Conditions or Pretrial Supervision
Why it hurts: Violations, such as missed check-ins, failed tests, travel outside permitted areas, can land you back in custody and damage plea/trial leverage.
What to do instead:
- Read every condition of your release.
- Keep proof of compliance (class attendance, employment, treatment).
- If a condition is unworkable, your attorney can request modifications.
Mistake #7: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Defense Lawyer
Why it hurts: Critical evidence (video, 911 audio, camera footage) can disappear quickly. Early negotiation can shape charges before they’re filed or finalized.
What to do instead:
Retain a skilled and relentless criminal defense attorney in St. Louis right away. Early intervention lets your lawyer:
- Demand and preserve evidence
- Engage prosecutors pre-charging
- Push for on recognizance (O.R.) release or lower bail
- Direct you to proactive steps that improve outcomes (treatment, classes, restitution)
Mistake #8: Withholding Information From Your St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney
Why it hurts: Surprises help the prosecution, not your defense. Your lawyer can’t plan for what they don’t know.
What to do instead:
- Share everything confidentially—prior charges, immigration issues, professional licenses, firearms, family court matters.
- Full candor helps your attorney avoid landmines and craft mitigation.
Mistake #9: Assuming “I’ll Just Explain It to the Judge”
Why it hurts: Court is about admissible evidence and legal standards, not informal explanations. The judge cannot be your advocate.
What to do instead:
- Let your attorney file the right motions (to dismiss, suppress, exclude) and present proper evidence.
- If trial is strategic, your lawyer prepares witnesses, exhibits, and cross-examination that meet evidentiary rules. Contrary to other criminal defense firms, Combs Waterkotte is not afraid of going to trial. We are known for our trial-readiness and fearlessness in the courtroom.
A Practical Game Plan After Being Charged With a Crime in St. Louis
After being charged with a crime in St. Louis, the first and most important step is to secure legal counsel fast. Contact an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney at Combs Waterkotte who regularly practices in your courthouse and understands the judges, prosecutors, and procedures. Early involvement allows your lawyer to preserve key evidence, develop a bond strategy, and begin negotiating before charges are finalized.
Next, preserve all potential evidence that could help your defense. Write a detailed timeline of events—who was involved, when and where things happened—and list any witnesses or possible camera locations, such as doorbells, traffic lights, or nearby businesses. Save texts, call logs, photos, or location data exactly as they are; never edit or delete them.
It is also important to get ahead on mitigation. Depending on your situation, completing counseling, treatment, community service, or securing employment and character letters can demonstrate responsibility and influence how prosecutors handle your case. Taking these steps early can even lead to reduced or amended charges.
Finally, understand the process. Most criminal cases in St. Louis and across Missouri follow a clear path: arraignment, discovery, pretrial hearings, motions, trial or plea, and sentencing. Ask your attorney about deadlines—such as administrative hearings for DWI cases—and add them to your calendar to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Quick Checklist: Do/Don’t
- Hire a St. Louis criminal defense attorney immediately
- Invoke your right to remain silent
- Preserve evidence & witnesses
- Follow bond conditions exactly
- Show up on time, prepared, dressed well, and respectful
- Post or message about your case
- Consent to searches without a warrant
- Contact the alleged victim/witnesses
- Miss court or ignore supervision
- Hide info from your attorney
Do:
Don’t:
Charged with a Crime in St. Louis? Call Combs Waterkotte Now
If you’ve been charged with a crime in St. Louis, the right moves now can change everything. Our defense team acts fast to protect your rights, pursue release, preserve evidence, and negotiate from strength.
Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney in St. Louis.
