Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO area, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, confidential consultation.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Buchanan 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.
Inside this guide, you’ll discover:
- What to do right after being arrested in Buchanan County, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- The penalties for Missouri felonies and misdemeanors
- Our proven defense strategies for DUI, drug, assault, fraud, and violent crime cases
- Why thousands across Missouri trust our firm when their future is on the line
- Whether you’re fighting for your freedom or just trying to protect your record, this guide explains how we help you navigate the system—and win.
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What to Do After You’re Arrested in Buchanan County, MO
Being arrested can be frightening and confusing—especially if it’s your first time dealing with the Buchanan County, MO criminal justice system. The steps you take in the hours following your arrest can have a major impact on your case’s outcome. Here are the steps to take immediately if you or someone you love has been arrested in Buchanan County, MO:
Step 1: Keep Calm and Avoid Resistance
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 Buchanan County, 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: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
You have the constitutional right to remain silent. After providing basic identifying information (name, date of birth, address), you are not required to answer any questions about the alleged crime. Politely say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I would like to speak with my attorney.” Do not try to explain, justify, or talk your way out of the arrest, those statements can and will be used by prosecutors later.
Step 3: Contact a Buchanan County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
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 Buchanan 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 legal team can start building your defense and securing evidence right away in Buchanan County, MO
- You can reach us 24 hours a day anywhere in the Buchanan County, MO area and beyond—day or night, weekends and holidays included.
Step 4: Avoid Discussing Your Buchanan County, MO Case with Anyone
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: Don’t Consent to Searches Without a Warrant
Police may ask for your consent to search your car, home, or phone in the Buchanan County, MO area. You have the right to refuse consent unless they present a valid warrant. Politely say, “I do not consent to any searches.”
Evidence obtained through an illegal or warrantless search can often be suppressed, meaning it may be ruled inadmissible in court and cannot be used against you.
Step 6: Secure Bail or Release
After being processed at a detention center in Buchanan County, MO, your next goal is getting home as soon as possible. Depending on your charges, you might qualify for bail or release on recognizance. The Buchanan County, MO criminal defense team at Combs Waterkotte can help:
- File motions to lower your bond amount
- Argue for pretrial release so you can stay with your family
- Coordinate with bail bondsmen to expedite your release
- Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with your defense
Step 7: Write Down Every Detail of the Arrest
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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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 criminal defense attorney in the Buchanan County, MO area, you aren’t just selecting a leading criminal defense attorney in Buchanan County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides experience and expertise in the following areas for Buchanan County, MO residents:
Your Trusted Buchanan County, MO Criminal Defense Team
The dedicated Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan 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
Buchanan County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Federal charges are among the most serious a person can face. Unlike state prosecutions, federal cases involve powerful government agencies, lengthy investigations, and prosecutors who win more than 90% of their cases, according to Pew Research.
The federal criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte know exactly how to level the playing field. Our Buchanan County, MO defense team has extensive experience handling high-profile and complex cases, going toe-to-toe with the Department of Justice to protect our clients’ freedom. We represent individuals accused of a wide variety of federal crimes, 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 Buchanan 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.
Buchanan County Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law
Even a seemingly minor conviction in Buchanan County, MO can have serious and lasting consequences. A misdemeanor might bring fines, probation, or time in county jail, while a felony conviction can result in years in state prison and the permanent loss of certain civil rights. This can include your ability to vote, own firearms, or pursue specific careers.
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.
However, there is hope. Missouri law provides ways to restore your rights, including expungement, pardon, or record sealing. The Buchanan County, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore your post-conviction options and start reclaiming your freedom.
Buchanan County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Buchanan County and Missouri.
Felony Classifications and Penalties in Buchanan County, MO
In Missouri, felony charges are categorized by severity, with each class carrying its own sentencing range and potential consequences:
- Class A Felony — 10 to 30 years, or life in prison
- 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 — up to 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 Buchanan County, 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.
Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties in Buchanan County, MO
Misdemeanors are categorized into four classes in Missouri:
- 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; a fine of up to $1,000
- Class C Misdemeanor — Up to 15 days in jail; a fine of up to $700
- Class D Misdemeanor — A fine of 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 Buchanan County, MO defense team at Combs Waterkotte will fight to keep your record clean and your life on track.
Why Hire Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:
- Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re available 24/7 in Buchanan 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: 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: 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.
- Experience & Expertise in Buchanan County. MO: Our attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and court systems throughout Buchanan County, MO, allowing us to tailor defense strategies that work effectively in your jurisdiction.
When your future is on the line, you deserve a criminal defense team in Buchanan County, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Buchanan County, MO
I was just arrested in Buchanan County, MO. What should I do?
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.
How are state and federal criminal charges different?
State charges are handled by Missouri courts and usually involve violations of state laws. Federal charges, on the other hand, are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys and often involve interstate activity or federal agencies. Federal cases carry stricter sentencing guidelines and typically require more extensive defense strategies.
Can I avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Buchanan County, MO?
Yes. Depending on your case, our Buchanan County, MO criminal defense attorneys may negotiate probation, suspended sentences, diversion programs, or treatment alternatives instead of jail time—especially for first-time offenders.
Does 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 Buchanan 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 happens if I’m charged with a felony but have no prior record?
Judges often treat first-time offenders more leniently. A clean record can be a powerful mitigating factor that may result in probation, reduced penalties, or dismissal of charges altogether. The right Buchanan County, MO attorney can make sure your clean history works in your favor.
Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already entered a guilty plea?
Absolutely. Our defense team can explore post-conviction relief, including filing appeals or motions for sentence reduction. Don’t wait. Contact us immediately to review your options. Deadlines for these actions are strict and time-sensitive.
Protect Your Rights and Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Buchanan County, MO’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm Now
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 commitment to client service is unmatched: you’ll have direct, 24/7 access to your Buchanan County, MO criminal defense attorney whenever you need guidance or support.
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 Buchanan County, MO.
