Martell C. Turner is an Associate Attorney with Combs Waterkotte, where he focuses his practice on criminal defense and represents individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Missouri. He is known for combining meticulous preparation with a calm, confident courtroom presence and a client-centered approach emphasizing communication, strategy, and aggressive advocacy. From the beginning of his legal career, Martell has been drawn to criminal defense because of the high stakes involved and the profound impact a criminal case can have on a person’s freedom, reputation, career, and family. He approaches every case with the belief that every client deserves to be heard, respected, and defended with relentless preparation and strategic advocacy.
Although recently admitted to the Missouri Bar, Martell brings substantial hands-on courtroom and litigation experience. Before joining the firm, he worked with the Federal Public Defender’s Office, the Missouri State Public Defender, and the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in Chicago, gaining exposure to and assisting in serious criminal matters, including violent felonies, constitutional suppression issues and litigation, sentencing advocacy, complex discovery review and trial preparation. During law school, he contributed to a bench homicide trial that resulted in a not-guilty verdict and second-chaired a felony criminal trial as a Missouri Rule 13 student attorney. Collectively, these experiences sharpened his courtroom presence and reinforced his commitment to standing beside individuals facing the immense pressure of criminal prosecution and fighting to protect their constitutional rights.
Martell earned his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law, where he received a Dean’s Scholarship and distinguished himself as a trial advocate. He was a member of Saint Louis University’s nationally recognized Trial Team and helped secure a victory in the Attorney General’s Cup Trial Competition. He also competed as a Quarterfinalist in the Midwest Black Law Students Association Regional Trial Competition. Prior to law school, Martell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies (Pre-law) from Webster University, graduating with Departmental Honors and completing an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate.
Martell’s commitment to public service and advocacy is deeply personal. He is proud to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, O.L. Shelton, a retired Missouri Congressman and alderman whose career was defined by service to the community and dedication to the people and communities he represented. That legacy continues to influence Martell’s belief that the law is not only a profession, but also a means of protecting individual rights and serving others during the most difficult moments of their lives.
Clients appreciate Martell’s accessibility, attention to detail, and genuine concern for their future. He understands that criminal charges can be overwhelming, and he works to ensure that clients are informed, prepared, and confident in their defense at every stage of the process. At Combs Waterkotte, Martell is committed to providing clients with thoughtful counsel, relentless preparation, and strong courtroom advocacy.
Outside the office, Martell enjoys continuing to develop his trial advocacy skills, studying emerging issues in criminal law, and spending time with family and friends.
