St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorney. 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 St. Louis County, MO from Combs Waterkotte by your side, you can protect your rights, fight for your freedom, and move forward with confidence.
At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built a reputation as St. Louis County’s premier criminal defense firm by combining aggressive advocacy with strategic legal insight. Our St. Louis County, MO criminal defense lawyers handle cases at every level—from misdemeanors and felonies to high-stakes federal prosecutions. We don’t just defend cases; we defend your future.
With more than 60 years of combined experience and over 10,000 criminal cases successfully handled, our track record of success speaks for itself. If you’re facing charges in St. Louis County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
What You’ll Learn on This Page
If you’ve been charged with a crime in St. Louis County, 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:
- What to do right after being arrested in St. Louis County, MO
- How state and federal prosecutions differ
- Penalties and sentencing for misdemeanors and felonies in St. Louis County, MO
- How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in St. Louis County, MO and beyond
- Why thousands across Missouri trust our firm when their future is on the line
- How we help you take control of your St. Louis County, MO case, and your future, from day one.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Steps to Take After an Arrest in St. Louis County, MO
Getting arrested is a stressful and confusing experience, especially if you’ve never dealt with the criminal justice system before. But your actions in the first few hours after an arrest can shape your entire case. Here’s exactly what to do to protect your rights and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your defense:
Step 1: Keep Calm and Avoid Resistance
No matter how unfair or unnecessary the arrest may feel, it’s essential to remain composed. Arguing or resisting, even verbally, can lead to additional charges in St. Louis County, MO. Keep your hands visible, follow all lawful instructions, and avoid sudden movements. Remember, your behavior is being closely observed and could later become part of the evidence against you.
Step 2: Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
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 St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte on your side from the very beginning, you can be confident that:
- Police and investigators must communicate through your attorney
- We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
- Our team can start gathering and preserving key evidence immediately in St. Louis County, MO
- We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in St. Louis County, MO.
Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your St. Louis County, MO Case
Don’t discuss your arrest or charges with anyone but your attorney. Conversations with friends, coworkers, or even family members can be misinterpreted, and anything shared on social media can be used against you. Prosecutors can subpoena texts, posts, and messages. To protect your defense, keep quiet and let your legal team at Combs Waterkotte handle all communications on your behalf.
Step 5: Refuse Searches Without a Warrant
If law enforcement asks to search your St. Louis County, 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.
Unlawful or warrantless searches often lead to suppressed evidence, meaning it cannot be used against you in court.
Step 6: Secure Bail or Release
After booking, you’ll be taken to a detention facility near St. Louis County, MO. Depending on your charges, you may be eligible for bond or release on recognizance. Our St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys can:
- Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
- Advocate for release pending trial
- Work directly with bail bondsmen to secure your release fast
- 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.
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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When you hire a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorney, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated criminal defense attorney in and around St. Louis County, MO – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Louis County and beyond:
A Full-Service St. Louis County, MO Criminal Defense Firm
At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced St. Louis County, 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.
Our legal team defends clients throughout St. Louis County, 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
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney St. Louis County, MO
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 St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, 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.
Free book
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.
Understanding St. Louis County Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law
No matter how minor the charge, a criminal conviction in St. Louis County, 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.
Under Missouri law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, serving on juries, or holding public office. They are also often required to disclose their criminal history on employment and housing applications, making it much harder to move forward after a conviction.
Fortunately, there are ways to rebuild. Missouri provides several options for restoring your rights, including record expungement, pardons, and sealing past convictions. At Combs Waterkotte, our St. Louis County, MO defense lawyers work tirelessly to help clients clear their records and move forward with confidence and dignity.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in St. Louis County, 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, or life in prison
- 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
Factors like prior offenses, use of weapons, or crimes motivated by bias can increase the severity of a charge and the sentence you face. The good news is that a knowledgeable St. Louis County, MO criminal defense lawyer can often step in early to negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or even a complete dismissal — helping you protect your record and your future.
Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties in St. Louis County, MO
In Missouri, misdemeanor charges are divided into four distinct classes, each carrying its own range of possible 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 or a fine of up to $700
- Class D Misdemeanor — Fines up to $500
Many misdemeanor offenders qualify for probation, community service, or expungement—and our experienced and relentless St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys fight to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible.
Why Hire Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO?
Not all St. Louis County, MO criminal defense lawyers are created equal. Our legal team’s approach to defense is built on client focus, trial readiness, unmatched resources, and over six decades of combined expertise:
- Client-Centered Representation: We’re available 24/7 in St. Louis County, 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: Every case is prepared as if it’s going to trial. That level of readiness gives us the leverage to negotiate from a position of strength and the confidence to go the distance when necessary.
- Extensive 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.
- Local Knowledge & Experience in St. Louis County. MO: With decades of combined courtroom experience in St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in St. Louis County, MO
What should I do first if I’m arrested in St. Louis County, 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 criminal 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 St. Louis County, MO?
Often, yes. Every case is different, but our St. Louis County, MO defense lawyers frequently secure outcomes like probation, community service, or diversion programs that keep clients out of jail, especially those with clean records or low-level charges.
Will a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?
Not necessarily. Missouri law allows for the expungement of certain criminal convictions after a set waiting period. Our St. Louis County, 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?
Judges often consider lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor. With the right representation, your St. Louis County, MO attorney can argue for reduced penalties, probation, or even case dismissal.
Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already pled guilty in St. Louis County, MO?
Yes. In many cases, we can file post-conviction motions, appeals, or petitions for sentence reduction. Contact us immediately—time limits apply.
Take Control of Your Future. Call Combs Waterkotte to Hire Your St. Louis County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now.
The St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorney you choose could determine your entire future. Don’t leave that to chance. While public defenders are often overwhelmed and other attorneys might shy away from trial, we at Combs Waterkotte fight every case as if your freedom depends on it—because it does.
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 St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, MO.
