Criminal attorney in O’Fallon, MO. When your future, your reputation, and your freedom are on the line in or around O’Fallon, MO, you need fearless defense from a team that knows how to win. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced O’Fallon, MO criminal attorneys deliver hard-hitting representation rooted in strategy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to your rights. We’ve successfully defended clients in everything from misdemeanor traffic violations to high-stakes felonies, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, made a mistake, or are completely innocent, we’ll fight to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved in your favor. Call a trusted O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, fully confidential case review.
Article Summary
This detailed page from Combs Waterkotte breaks down what you need to know if you’re facing criminal charges in O’Fallon, MO — and why your choice of defense lawyer can make or break your case. It sets the stage with the real-life impact of being charged and explains why having a proven, focused legal team in your corner is crucial. It also lays out the risks of relying on overworked public defenders, citing compelling legal research and Missouri-specific findings.
Read on to gain a clear understanding of how Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys defend against a wide range of criminal charges, including violent crimes, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, and juvenile cases. This piece breaks down the legal defense process step-by-step, from stopping charges early to investigating evidence, asserting constitutional rights, crafting defense strategies, and negotiating with prosecutors or going to trial.
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
Why Hiring a O’Fallon, MO Criminal Attorney is Essential
When you’re facing criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are all on the line. While the U.S. leads the world in incarceration rates, that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless. With an aggressive, strategic O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney by your side, you have a real chance to beat the odds.
At Combs Waterkotte, we bring relentless focus, deep experience and expertise , and powerful resources to every single case. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges in O’Fallon, MO, our team is ready to fight back with the expertise and trial skill that earns results, not just promises.
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.
How a Criminal Attorney in O’Fallon, MO Can Help
You’re not just fighting charges, you’re up against an entire system built to convict. That’s why the Constitution guarantees your right to an attorney. The O’Fallon, MO criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are here to level the playing field and give you the fighting chance you deserve:
Stop Charges Before They’re Filed in O’Fallon, MO
Being arrested doesn’t automatically mean charges will stick. If you act quickly in O’Fallon, MO, our team can intervene before formal charges are filed. We’ll meet with prosecutors, present critical evidence, and often succeed in getting charges dropped or significantly reduced at the earliest stages.
Stand Between You and the System
Law enforcement is not obligated to protect your best interests. In fact, according to a Supreme Court ruling, police are legally allowed to lie during interrogations. That’s why our defense begins the moment you call us—ensuring no one violates your:
- Search & seizure protections under the Fourth Amendment
- Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
- Your right to legal counsel under the Sixth Amendment|Sixth Amendment right to have a lawyer present|Your Sixth Amendment right to counsel}
Launch a Deep, Unbiased Investigation in O’Fallon, MO
We don’t rely on the prosecution’s version of events. Our team builds a defense from the ground up in O’Fallon, MO, locating witnesses, securing physical evidence, and identifying any procedural missteps or constitutional violations that could be used to your advantage.
Tailor a Smart, Strategic Defense
{There’s no one-size-fits-all defense. We craft a legal approach that reflects the facts of your case, your goals, and your best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a reduced charge, fighting for acquittal, or making a strong case at trial. For examples, see below for some of our most common criminal defense strategies.)
Offer Clear, Strategic Legal Guidance in O’Fallon, MO
We’re straight with you about where your case stands and what your options are. If a plea deal makes sense, we’ll explain why. If trial is the right move, we’ll be ready. At every point, you’ll have a clear, honest picture of what’s ahead, and an attorney ready to fight for you.
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.
In addition to our leading O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney services, see below for other specialities in O’Fallon, MO:
Cases a Combs Waterkotte Criminal Attorney in O’Fallon, MO Handles
Our O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney team has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, a felony, or a federal indictment, we’ve got you covered throughout the O’Fallon, MO area:
- DWI/DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft/Larceny
- Drug Charges
- Probation Violation
- Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment
- Gun Charges
- Murder/Homicide
- Juvenile Crimes
We don’t just take cases. We take on people’s lives, their reputations, and their futures. That’s why we handle every matter with urgency, empathy, and precision. You have a voice, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard.
Steps to Take If You’re Charged With a Crime in O’Fallon, MO
If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with a crime in O’Fallon, MO, the clock is ticking, and your future could depend on how quickly and carefully you act. Follow these essential steps to protect yourself and your case:
- Step 1 — Remain Level-Headed and Focused:
It’s natural to feel panicked, but rash decisions or emotional outbursts can work against you. Keep your cool and focus on protecting yourself. - Step 2 — Refuse to Speak Without a Lawyer:
Law enforcement is trained to get confessions. Simply state, “I want an attorney,” and say nothing else. This one step can safeguard your entire defense. - Step 3 — Demand Legal Representation Immediately:
The sooner you have a defense attorney on your side, the better. Studies show defendants represented by private attorneys often receive better plea deals and shorter sentences. Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online as soon as possible to speak with a skilled O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney. - Step 4 — Avoid Talking About Your O’Fallon, MO Case:
Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone, including friends, family, or on social media. Innocent remarks can be twisted or taken out of context by prosecutors in O’Fallon, MO. Silence is protection. - Step 5 — Know the Charges You’re Facing in O’Fallon, MO:
Knowing exactly what you’re up against gives you power. We’ll break down each charge, what the law says, and what potential outcomes could look like—so you’re never in the dark. - Step 6 — Help Us Build a Defense That Works for You:
Every case has its own facts, context, and challenges. We’ll listen closely, gather the right evidence, and build a defense strategy that aligns with your personal goals and the realities of your situation.
Proven Defense Strategies Our O’Fallon, MO Criminal Attorneys Rely On
Facing criminal charges is frightening — but it’s important to remember that you’re presumed innocent unless the prosecution can prove otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. At Combs Waterkotte, our O’Fallon, MO criminal defense attorneys develop custom legal strategies tailored to the circumstances of each case. Here are some of the impactful defenses we use to challenge charges and protect our clients:
- Alibi— We demonstrate that you were in a different place when the alleged crime occurred, often with location data, receipts, or eyewitness accounts, showing it would’ve been impossible for you to commit the act.
- Battered Spouse Syndrome— Often used in O’Fallon, MO domestic violence cases, this defense shows you acted out of survival instinct after enduring prolonged abuse, helping jurors understand the psychological impact behind your actions.
- Consent— Especially relevant in sexual misconduct or physical altercation cases, this strategy demonstrates that the alleged victim willingly participated in the actions, undermining claims of unlawful conduct.
- Self-Defense— Missouri law recognizes your right to defend yourself when threatened. We’ll clearly outline the threat you faced and prove that your response was proportionate and necessary under the circumstances.
- Defense of Others— Acting to protect someone else is a valid legal defense. We provide proof that your intervention was reasonable and driven by an immediate need to prevent harm to another person.
- Stand Your Ground— Missouri law allows individuals to use force without retreating if they are lawfully present and reasonably perceive a threat. We’ve successfully invoked this defense in cases outside the home as well.
- Castle Doctrine— Missouri’s Castle Doctrine affirms your right to use force when defending your home. If someone unlawfully entered your property, we’ll argue that your actions were entirely lawful and protected by statute.
- Duress— If you acted under the threat of serious injury or death, we’ll demonstrate that you had no realistic alternative. You didn’t choose the crime — you were forced into it, and that distinction matters.
- Lack of Criminal Intent— If the prosecution cannot prove that you acted with the necessary mental state (intent, knowledge, or recklessness), we can argue for dismissal or reduction based on accident or misunderstanding.
- Entrapment—
When law enforcement crosses the line and pressures or tricks you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, it’s not justice, it’s entrapment. We’ll expose the setup. - Necessity— In crisis situations, sometimes the law allows for breaking the law. If your actions were the only way to avoid a greater harm, we’ll explain the emergency context behind your decision and argue for justification.
- Violation of Miranda Rights— If you weren’t properly informed of your rights during your arrest or interrogation in the O’Fallon, MO area, any resulting statements or confessions may be inadmissible — and your case could weaken substantially.
- Insanity or Mental Incapacity— In rare but critical cases, we argue that you lacked the capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of your actions due to a diagnosed mental illness at the time of the offense.
Should You Choose a Public Defender or a Private O’Fallon, MO Criminal Attorney?
You’re legally entitled to a public defender, but when your future is on the line, experience and personal attention matter. Public defenders in and around O’Fallon, MO are often stretched far too thin. A Missouri workload study found public defenders don’t have enough time to properly investigate or defend most cases.
Research shows that defendants represented by private counsel receive better outcomes, including lower charges, more favorable plea deals, and shorter sentences. At Combs Waterkotte, we take fewer cases so we can give yours the full attention it deserves. Our client-first model ensures you’re not just a case file—you’re our top priority.
Call a O’Fallon, MO Criminal Attorney at Combs Waterkotte Today
Every minute matters when you’re facing criminal charges. The earlier you involve a seasoned O’Fallon, MO criminal attorney, the more opportunities we have to challenge the prosecution’s case. At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t waste time. We get to work. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. You’ll connect directly with an experienced criminal defense attorney in O’Fallon, MO who will listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline a path forward. We know what’s at stake—and we’re prepared to fight relentlessly to protect your freedom.
