Criminal Defense Attorney Pevely, MO

Pevely, MO criminal defense attorney. Being accused of a crime is one of the most serious challenges you can face — but with the right legal team, it’s one you can overcome. A dedicated Combs Waterkotte Pevely, MO criminal defense attorney will fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and work relentlessly to secure the best outcome possible.

At Combs Waterkotte, our mission is clear: deliver exceptional legal defense and life-changing results. Our Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO area, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, confidential consultation.

Article Summary

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Pevely, MO, the information here could make a real difference in your case. This page outlines what every defendant needs to know about Missouri criminal law — from your first moments after arrest to how our attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight to protect your freedom and reputation.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The critical first steps to take after an arrest in Pevely, MO
• The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
• 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 Pevely, MO’s leading criminal defense firm
• How we help you take control of your Pevely, MO case, and your future, from day one.

What to Do After You’re Arrested in Pevely, MO

Being arrested in Pevely, MO can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. Whether it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system or not, what you do in the moments immediately following your arrest can greatly influence the outcome of your case. Follow these critical steps to protect your rights and strengthen your defense from the very beginning:

Step 1: Stay Calm and Don’t Resist Arrest

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 Pevely, 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: Stay Silent and Ask for an Attorney

The U.S. Constitution protects your right to remain silent, and it’s one of your most powerful legal tools. After confirming your identity, you are under no obligation to answer questions about the alleged offense. Politely state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent and would like to speak with my attorney.” Do not attempt to explain or defend yourself; even innocent remarks can be misinterpreted and used against you in court.

Step 3: Ask for a Pevely, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Before answering any questions or signing any documents, ask to speak with your lawyer. This is your legal right under the U.S. Constitution. Having a Pevely, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:

• Law enforcement and investigators must go through your lawyer for all communication
• We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
• Our team can start gathering and preserving key evidence immediately in Pevely, MO
• Our attorneys are available 24/7 for emergency calls after an arrest in Pevely, MO—day or night.

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

Silence is protection. Avoid talking about your arrest with anyone, even people you trust, and stay off social media. Texts, DMs, and posts can be taken out of context and used against you. Only discuss your situation with your attorney or legal team at Combs Waterkotte, where your information stays completely confidential.

Step 5: Refuse Searches Without a Warrant

If law enforcement asks to search your Pevely, MO home, vehicle, or phone, you are under no obligation to agree. Unless officers present a valid warrant signed by a judge, you have the legal right to refuse. Calmly state, “I do not consent to a search.” Exercising this right protects you from unlawful or overreaching police actions.

If police collect evidence without a valid warrant, that evidence can often be thrown out in court. This single step could make or break your case.

Step 6: Work to Secure Bail or Release

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

• Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
• Advocate for release pending trial
• Work directly with bail bondsmen to secure your release fast
• Help you return to work, care for family, and assist in building your defense

Step 7: Document Everything You Remember

Memory fades quickly, so jot down everything you can remember right away. Include the time, location, what the officers said or did, any witnesses present, and whether any searches were conducted. These small details often become key evidence in proving your rights were violated or the arrest was mishandled.

When you choose a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney in the Pevely, MO area, you aren’t just selecting the ideal criminal defense attorney in Pevely, MO and beyond – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with trustworthy criminal defense lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for Pevely, MO residents:

A Comprehensive Pevely, MO Criminal Defense Firm

The dedicated Pevely, MO criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are equipped to handle any criminal matter—whether you’re dealing with a simple ticket, a misdemeanor offense, or a high-stakes felony or federal charge.

Our legal team defends clients throughout Pevely, MO in cases such as:

• 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

Pevely, MO Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a federal crime is vastly different, and far more serious, than facing charges in state court. Federal prosecutors have nearly unlimited resources, extensive investigative power, and a conviction rate of over 90%, according to Pew Research.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Pevely, MO federal criminal defense attorneys are equipped to take on the most complex and high-stakes federal cases. With decades of combined courtroom experience, we stand up to the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies to protect our clients’ rights. We handle a wide range of federal offenses, 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

Federal prosecutors don’t back down—they’re trained to secure convictions and often pressure defendants into plea deals that mean years in prison and a permanent record. But that’s not how we operate. At Combs Waterkotte, we go on the offensive. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses in their investigation, and use every opportunity to get charges reduced or dismissed before any plea negotiations take place.

Discover how we defend clients in complex federal criminal cases in the Pevely, MO area, the critical ways these prosecutions differ from state charges, and what strategies we use to protect your rights under federal law. Learn more in our detailed guide to federal felony charges.

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Understanding Pevely Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law

No matter how minor the charge, a criminal conviction in Pevely, MO can follow you for years. Misdemeanors can bring fines, probation, or short jail terms—but felony convictions carry much heavier penalties, including long prison sentences and the loss of important civil rights like voting, gun ownership, and eligibility for certain jobs.

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.

But there are opportunities for a fresh start. Missouri law allows individuals to restore their rights through expungement, pardons, or record sealing. The Pevely, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore every available legal avenue to rebuild your life and reclaim your future.

Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in Pevely, MO

Missouri divides felonies into five classes based on the seriousness of the crime. Each class carries a different potential prison sentence:

• Class A Felony — 10 to 30 years in state prison, or life imprisonment
• Class B Felony — 5 to 15 years in prison
• Class C Felony — between 3 and 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 Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO

Misdemeanors are categorized into four classes in Missouri:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail and/or fines up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail; a fine of up to $1,000
• Class C Misdemeanor — Up to 15 days in jail or a fine of 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 Pevely, MO defense team at Combs Waterkotte will fight to keep your record clean and your life on track.

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Pevely, MO?

Choosing the right defense attorney can be the most important decision you ever make. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built our reputation on delivering results through preparation, communication, and relentless advocacy. Here’s what sets our Pevely, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:

• Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re available 24/7 in Pevely, 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-Ready Defense: We prepare every case like it’s going to court. That mindset not only strengthens your defense but gives us a clear advantage during plea negotiations and trial proceedings.
• Strategic Resources: We bring in the right resources, whether it’s witnesses, forensic experts, or investigators, to challenge the state’s evidence and expose weaknesses in their case.
• Local Knowledge & Experience in Pevely. MO: Our attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and court systems throughout Pevely, MO, allowing us to tailor defense strategies that work effectively in your jurisdiction.

When everything is on the line, trust a Pevely, MO criminal defense team that has the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for your best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Pevely, MO

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

Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Do not answer any questions or make statements without legal representation. Politely invoke your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away so our defense team can step in to protect your rights and begin preparing your case.

What’s the difference between state and federal charges?

State charges are prosecuted by Missouri courts and typically involve violations of state law. Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys for crimes that cross state lines or involve federal agencies. Federal penalties are usually much harsher.

Is it possible to avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Pevely, MO?

Yes. Depending on your case, our Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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 this is my first felony charge?

Having a clean record can work in your favor. Courts often view a lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor, which can lead to reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal. With skilled representation from a Pevely, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.

Can Combs Waterkotte still help if I already pled guilty?

Yes. In many cases, we can file post-conviction motions, appeals, or petitions for sentence reduction. Contact us immediately—time limits apply.

Take Charge of Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Your Trusted Pevely, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers Right Away

Choosing the right attorney can mean the difference between walking free and facing years behind bars. Your future is too important to trust to an overworked public defender or an inexperienced lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we approach every case with the skill, strategy, and determination it takes to win—whether that means negotiating a favorable outcome or taking your case to trial.

Our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will receive 24/7 access to the Pevely, MO criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or anything else.

Don’t roll the dice. Make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a case review and we can get started on your defense in Pevely, MO.