Crime defense lawyers in Dardenne Prairie, MO. If you have been charged with, arrested for, or even questioned about a crime anywhere in or around Dardenne Prairie, MO, you need the best possible legal representation fighting for you. No matter the severity of the crime – from minor infractions to more serious felonies – the crime defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are here to help.
Our team of crime defense lawyers serves a vital function in safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals accused of criminal wrongdoing, not only in Dardenne Prairie, but throughout Missouri. Our skilled and experienced legal team is fully devoted to providing expert representation and ensuring you receive fair treatment within the legal system.
Combs Waterkotte understands all too well that sometimes good people find themselves in bad situations, and we work to minimize the effect criminal charges can have on you, your reputation, and your future. Reach out to our Dardenne Prairie, MO crime defense lawyers as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or conveniently contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience, and our record of success speaks for itself.
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 …
Understanding the Role of Dardenne Prairie, MO Crime Defense Lawyers
The skilled legal team at Combs Waterkotte, renowned as acclaimed criminal defense attorneys in Dardenne Prairie, MO, have a commitment to providing exceptional representation to clients confronting criminal allegations. With expertise spanning both state and federal jurisdictions, our attorneys specialize in navigating a wide array of cases and criminal charges, including:
- DUIs and DWIs
- Motor Vehicle Tampering
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Theft/Larceny
- Probation Violations
- Drug Charges and Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Gun Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Credit Card Fraud
- Murder
- View all criminal defense cases we take
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers in Dardenne Prairie, MO: Exploring the Differences Between State and Federal Crimes
It’s important to understand that federal and state crimes have distinct characteristics, primarily shaped by the jurisdiction overseeing their prosecution and the legal frameworks governing them. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers are proficient in federal court proceedings in Dardenne Prairie, MO and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the key disparities between federal and state offenses:
- Jurisdictional Scope: Federal crimes within the Dardenne Prairie, MO area transgress laws established by the U.S. federal government, which possess authority over nationwide matters. These offenses include activities spanning multiple states, violations occurring on federal premises such as military installations, federal buildings, and Native American territories, as well as crimes against governmental entities and acts of terrorism. Conversely, state crimes contravene statutes enacted by the Missouri state government, falling within the purview of state and local Dardenne Prairie, MO law enforcement agencies.
- Jury Selection: In the realm of federal law, juries are assembled from broader geographical regions, commonly encompassing entire federal districts. This fosters a wide array of perspectives among jurors. Conversely, state juries are commonly composed of individuals from more localized areas, reflecting the demographic makeup of their specific jurisdictions.
- Investigative Authorities: Federal law enforcement bodies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF are entrusted with investigating and prosecuting federal offenses, maintaining jurisdiction nationwide. Conversely, state and local law enforcement agencies, such as Missouri state police departments, Dardenne Prairie, MO municipal police forces, and sheriff departments in Dardenne Prairie, MO and surrounding areas handle investigations and enforcement of state crimes within their respective jurisdictions.
- Legal Frameworks: Federal crimes adhere to regulations outlined in the U.S. Code, a compendium of federal statutes passed by Congress. These laws are applicable across all states and territories. In contrast, state crimes abide by distinct criminal codes specific to each state, covering an array of legal matters like criminal offenses, family law matters, and property regulations.
- Prosecutorial Process: Federal crimes are typically prosecuted in federal courts under the jurisdiction of federal judges. In contrast, state crimes are prosecuted by district attorneys or state prosecutors representing the state government, with cases adjudicated in state courts overseen by state judges.
- Penalties: Federal penalties include probation, fines, incarceration in federal penitentiaries, and parole. Conversely, penalties for state crimes exhibit significant variability, with each jurisdiction having its own sentencing guidelines dictating potential consequences like fines, probation, imprisonment in state penitentiaries or county jails, and parole.
Give the Dardenne Prairie, MO lawyers at Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for assistance with any state or federal charges you may be facing.

Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyers in Dardenne Prairie, MO: Key Responsibilities
The Combs Waterkotte lawyers take on a range of crucial responsibilities to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. Here’s what you expect when you enlist our legal representation:
- Legal Representation: Crime defense lawyers serve as advocates for their clients throughout the stages of the criminal justice programs, from pretrial investigations in Dardenne Prairie, MO to courtroom proceedings. The Combs Waterkotte legal experts are fully transparent through your legal process, giving honest legal advice, strategizing defense tactics, and representing your interests during hearings and trials.
- Case Evaluation in Dardenne Prairie, MO: One of our first steps is to conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. Our legal team meticulously reviews evidence, interviews witnesses, and identifies potential legal issues that could impact our defense. This comprehensive analysis helps us formulate an effective defense strategy tailored specifically to the circumstances of your Dardenne Prairie, MO case.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Our skilled litigators in Dardenne Prairie, MO excel at presenting compelling arguments on your behalf in court. They cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present evidence and testimony in support of the defense. The goal is to cast reasonable doubt on the Dardenne Prairie, MO prosecution’s case and secure a verdict of not guilty or minimize imposed penalties.
- Post-Trial Representation: Even after a conviction, our commitment to your rights doesn’t waver in Dardenne Prairie, MO. We continue to advocate on your behalf, filing appeals, seeking post-conviction relief, and pursuing legal remedies to overturn wrongful convictions or mitigate the consequences of a guilty verdict.
When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can trust that our dedicated legal team will provide you with the individualized attention, expertise, and unwavering advocacy you deserve.
What’s the Importance of Crime Defense Lawyers in Dardenne Prairie, MO?
Crime defense lawyers in Dardenne Prairie, MO play a crucial role in upholding the principles of justice and protecting your individual liberties. You deserve the Combs Waterkotte legal team on your side. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. The following are reasons why our services are indispensable:
- Balancing the legal system, whether state or federal. In a criminal justice system where a state or federal prosecutor wields significant power, our crime defense lawyers serve as a counterbalance, advocating for the rights of the accused and promoting fairness and equity.
- Preserving your constitutional rights. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers ensure that if you’re accused of crimes, you are afforded due process and other constitutional protections guaranteed by the law. They safeguard your rights – including the right to a fair trial, the right to legal counsel, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
- Preventing miscarriages of justice. Our criminal defense attorneys play a vital role in preventing miscarriages of justice. Their thorough investigation, diligent advocacy, and commitment to zealous representation help uncover the truth and make sure that justice is served.
- Ensuring your access to justice. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers provide essential legal representation to individuals from all walks of life throughout Dardenne Prairie and across Missouri. Regardless of financial means, our team ensures that everyone has access to top-tier legal defense when facing criminal charges.
When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best crime defense lawyers in Dardenne Prairie, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to crime defense, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Dardenne Prairie and beyond:

Reach Out to the Dardenne Prairie, MO Leaders in Crime Defense Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Today
If you find yourself facing criminal charges in Dardenne Prairie or anywhere else across Missouri, there’s no need to panic. Our team is here to provide the support and expertise you need during this challenging time. Our Dardenne Prairie, MO crime defense lawyers are indispensable advocates who fight for your innocence.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our expert attorneys in Dardenne Prairie, MO.

