Criminal defense attorney in Frontenac, MO. An arrest or criminal accusation can turn your world upside down — but it doesn’t have to define your future. With an experienced Combs Waterkotte Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney on your side, you’ll have an experienced advocate protecting your rights, your reputation, and your freedom every step of the way.
At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built a reputation as Frontenac’s premier criminal defense firm by combining aggressive advocacy with strategic legal insight. Our Frontenac, 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 over six decades of combined experience and a proven record of results, our attorneys have successfully represented thousands of clients across Missouri. If you’re facing criminal charges in Frontenac, MO, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation.
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
Facing criminal charges in Frontenac, MO can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life — but understanding your rights and options can make all the difference. This page breaks down everything you need to know about criminal defense in Frontenac, MO and throughout Missouri, including felony and misdemeanor laws, federal prosecution, sentencing, and how the team at Combs Waterkotte fights to protect your future.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What to do immediately after an arrest in Frontenac, MO
- How state and federal criminal processes differ—and what that means for you
- The penalties for Frontenac, MO 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.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
What to Do After You’re Arrested in Frontenac, MO
Being arrested in Frontenac, MO can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. Whether it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system or not, what you do in the moments immediately following your arrest can greatly influence the outcome of your case. Follow these critical steps to protect your rights and strengthen your defense from the very beginning:
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 Frontenac, 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: 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 Frontenac, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Before answering any questions or signing any documents, ask to speak with your lawyer. This is your legal right under the U.S. Constitution. Having a Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:
- Police and prosecutors are required to communicate through your attorney
- We can ensure your rights are protected from the start
- Our team can start gathering and preserving key evidence immediately in Frontenac, MO
- You can reach us 24 hours a day anywhere in the Frontenac, MO area and beyond—day or night, weekends and holidays included.
Step 4: Avoid Discussing Your Frontenac, 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 to look through your phone, your car, or even your home—but unless they show a legitimate warrant, you can and should say no. Politely respond, “I don’t consent to any searches.” You have every right to protect your privacy and property from unlawful investigation in the Frontenac, MO area.
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: Get Out on Bail or Release Quickly
After being booked into a Frontenac, MO detention facility, you may qualify for bail or release on your own recognizance, depending on the charges. An experienced Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney can act quickly to:
- File for a bond reduction hearing
- Argue for your release pending trial
- Coordinate with bail bondsmen to expedite your release
- Help you return to work, care for family, and assist in building your defense
Step 7: Write Down Every Detail of the Arrest
Memory fades quickly, so jot down everything you can remember right away. Include the time, location, what the officers said or did, any witnesses present, and whether any searches were conducted. These small details often become key evidence in proving your rights were violated or the arrest was mishandled.
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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 criminal defense attorney in the Frontenac, MO area, you aren’t just hiring the ideal criminal defense attorney in Frontenac, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides experience and expertise in the following areas for Frontenac, MO residents:
A Comprehensive Frontenac, MO Criminal Defense Firm
The Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte handle all levels of criminal cases—from traffic tickets and misdemeanors to serious felony and federal offenses.
We provide comprehensive legal defense across a full range of practice areas in and around Frontenac, MO, including:
- 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
Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, 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
We understand that federal prosecutors are driven to win. They often push for plea bargains that result in lengthy prison sentences and lifelong records. Our firm’s approach is different—we challenge the evidence, expose procedural errors, and fight to have charges dismissed or reduced before they ever reach a plea stage.
Learn more about how we handle Frontenac, MO federal criminal cases, what makes them unique, and how they are different from state cases.
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.
Frontenac Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law
No matter how minor the charge, a criminal conviction in Frontenac, 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.
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 Frontenac, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore your post-conviction options and start reclaiming your freedom.
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 Frontenac, 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 in state prison, or life imprisonment
- Class B Felony — 5 to 15 years in prison
- Class C Felony — 3 to 10 years in prison
- Class D Felony — no more than 7 years in prison
- Class E Felony — no more than 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 Frontenac, 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.
Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Frontenac, MO
Not all criminal charges are felonies, but even a misdemeanor in Missouri can have serious consequences if it’s not properly addressed. Misdemeanors are classified into four categories, each with different potential penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail and/or fines 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 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 Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys fight to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible.
Why Combs Waterkotte Is the Right Criminal Defense Firm for You in Frontenac, MO
Not all Frontenac, 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:
- Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re always available when you need us in Frontenac, MO—day or night. Our team takes time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. You’ll never feel left in the dark about your case.
- Trial-Ready 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.
- 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.
- Proven Local Experience in Frontenac. MO: Our attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and court systems throughout Frontenac, MO, allowing us to tailor defense strategies that work effectively in your jurisdiction.
When everything is on the line, trust a Frontenac, MO criminal defense team that has the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for your best possible outcome.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Frontenac, MO
What should I do first if I’m arrested in Frontenac, MO?
Stay calm, remain silent, and ask for an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact Combs Waterkotte immediately so we can protect your rights and start building your defense.
What’s the difference between state and federal charges?
State charges usually involve violations of Missouri laws and are handled by local prosecutors. Federal charges involve the U.S. government and typically include more serious crimes, like large-scale drug trafficking or fraud. Federal cases carry harsher penalties and require an attorney with specific federal court experience, like the team at Combs Waterkotte.
Is it possible to avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Frontenac, MO?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, our experienced Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys may be able to negotiate alternatives such as probation, deferred sentencing, diversion programs, or rehabilitation options, particularly for first-time or non-violent offenses.
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 Frontenac, 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?
Having a clean record can work in your favor. Courts often view a lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor, which can lead to reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal. With skilled representation from a Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.
Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already pled guilty in Frontenac, MO?
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.
Take Charge of Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Your Trusted Frontenac, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers Right Away
Choosing the right lawyer can make the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time behind bars. Don’t risk your freedom or your future with an inexperienced attorney or a public defender overloaded with cases. Unlike other criminal Frontenac, MO defense attorneys, we aren’t afraid of doing whatever it takes to prove your innocence—including going to trial.
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 Frontenac, 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 gamble with your future. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule your free case review. We’re ready to start building your defense and protecting your freedom—today.
