Criminal Defense Attorney Frontenac, MO

Criminal defense attorney in Frontenac, MO. 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 Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney will fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and work relentlessly to secure the best outcome possible.

At Combs Waterkotte, we believe every client deserves a powerful defense and a fair chance to rebuild their life. Our Frontenac, MO criminal defense lawyers handle everything from misdemeanors and felonies to complex federal cases. We take a proactive, strategic approach—building your case with precision, compassion, and determination.

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 Frontenac, MO area, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, confidential consultation.

What You’ll Learn on This Page

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Frontenac, 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.

Read on to learn:

• The critical first steps to take after an arrest in Frontenac, MO
• How state and federal prosecutions differ
• The penalties for Missouri felonies and misdemeanors
• Our proven defense strategies for DUI, drug, assault, fraud, and violent crime cases
• Why Combs Waterkotte is one of Missouri’s top-rated criminal defense firms
• 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.

Steps to Take After an Arrest 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: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

After giving your basic information, stop talking. You have the right to remain silent, and exercising it can make all the difference in your case. Politely say, “I choose to remain silent and would like to speak with my lawyer.” Don’t try to explain or tell your side of the story on the spot—that’s your attorney’s job. Anything you say now can be twisted and used against you later 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 investigators must communicate through your attorney
• We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
• Our team can start gathering and preserving key evidence immediately in Frontenac, MO
• We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in Frontenac, MO.

Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your Frontenac, MO Case

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: Refuse Searches Without a Warrant

Police may ask for your consent to search your car, home, or phone in the Frontenac, 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 booking, you’ll be taken to a detention facility near Frontenac, MO. Depending on your charges, you may be eligible for bond or release on recognizance. Our Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys can:

• File motions to lower your bond amount
• Advocate for release pending trial
• Work with bail bondsmen to secure your freedom quickly
• Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with your defense

Step 7: Record Every Detail You Can Remember

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.

If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney, you aren’t just selecting a leading criminal defense attorney in and around Frontenac, MO – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Frontenac and beyond:

A Full-Service Frontenac, MO Criminal Defense Firm

The dedicated Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, 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

Frontenac, MO Federal Crime Lawyer You Can Trust

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.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Frontenac, MO federal criminal defense attorneys are equipped to take on the most complex and high-stakes federal cases. With decades of combined courtroom experience, we stand up to the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies to protect our clients’ rights. We handle a wide range of federal offenses, 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 are relentless—their goal is conviction, not compromise. They routinely pressure defendants into plea agreements that carry harsh prison terms and permanent criminal records. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a different approach. Our attorneys meticulously scrutinize every detail of the case, challenge the government’s evidence, uncover procedural violations, and fight to have charges reduced or dismissed long before a plea becomes necessary.

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.

Name *

Email

Please leave this field empty.
Submit Form

Δ

---

Read Book Online

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.

But there are opportunities for a fresh start. Missouri law allows individuals to restore their rights through expungement, pardons, or record sealing. The Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore every available legal avenue to rebuild your life and reclaim your future.

Felony Classifications and Penalties in Frontenac, MO

In Missouri, felony charges are categorized by severity, with each class carrying its own sentencing range and potential consequences:

• Class A Felony — minimum of 10 years and no more than 30 years in prison, or life in prison
• Class B Felony — at least 5 but no more than 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

Aggravating factors (weapons, repeat offenses, or hate-related motives) can elevate a felony’s class—increasing penalties. However, a skilled Frontenac, MO criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate charge reductions, diversion programs, or case dismissals.

Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties in Frontenac, MO

Misdemeanors are categorized into four classes in Missouri:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000
• Class C Misdemeanor — Up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor — Fines 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 Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, 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 Frontenac, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:

• Client-Focused Representation: 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-Tested 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.
• Extensive 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 Frontenac. MO: With decades of combined experience across Missouri, we know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors—and we use that insight to build smart, effective defense strategies.

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.

Criminal Defense FAQs for Frontenac, MO

I was just arrested in Frontenac, MO. What should I do?

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.

Can I avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Frontenac, MO?

Yes. Depending on your case, our Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorneys may negotiate probation, suspended sentences, diversion programs, or treatment alternatives instead of jail time—especially for first-time offenders.

Will a conviction stay on my record permanently?

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 happens if I’m charged with a felony but have no prior record?

Judges often consider lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor. With the right representation, your Frontenac, MO attorney can argue for reduced penalties, probation, or even case dismissal.

Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already entered a guilty plea?

Yes. Our attorneys regularly handle post-conviction relief cases, including appeals, motions for sentence reduction, and other remedies. Contact us right away—strict time limits may apply to your case, so acting quickly is essential.

Take Charge of Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Your Trusted Frontenac, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers Right Away

The Frontenac, MO criminal defense attorney you choose could determine your entire future. Don’t leave that to chance. While public defenders are often overwhelmed and other attorneys might shy away from trial, we at Combs Waterkotte fight every case as if your freedom depends on it—because it does.

Our clients are never just case numbers. You’ll have direct access to your Frontenac, MO criminal defense lawyer 24/7, no matter the hour, day, or circumstance.

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.