Criminal Defense Attorney Glendale, MO

Glendale, MO criminal defense attorney. Being arrested or accused of a crime can be one of the most overwhelming moments of your life. But a criminal charge is not the end of your story. With an experienced criminal defense attorney in Glendale, MO from Combs Waterkotte by your side, you can protect your rights, fight for your freedom, and move forward with confidence.

At Combs Waterkotte, we believe every client deserves a powerful defense and a fair chance to rebuild their life. Our Glendale, 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.

With more than 60 years of combined experience and over 10,000 criminal cases successfully handled, our track record of success speaks for itself. If you’re facing charges in Glendale, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney.

What You’ll Learn on This Page

Facing criminal charges in Glendale, 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 Glendale, 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 right after being arrested in Glendale, MO
• How state and federal criminal processes differ—and what that means for you
• The penalties for Glendale, MO felonies and misdemeanors
• How our attorneys defend clients in drug, assault, fraud, DUI, sex crime, and homicide 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 Glendale, MO

Being arrested can be frightening and confusing—especially if it’s your first time dealing with the Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO:

Step 1: Stay Calm and Cooperate

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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:

• Law enforcement and investigators must go through your lawyer for all communication
• We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
• We can begin gathering evidence immediately to strengthen your defense in Glendale, MO
• You can reach us 24 hours a day anywhere in the Glendale, MO area and beyond—day or night, weekends and holidays included.

Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your Glendale, 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: Never Agree to a Search Without a Warrant

If law enforcement asks to search your Glendale, MO home, vehicle, or phone, you are under no obligation to agree. Unless officers present a valid warrant signed by a judge, you have the legal right to refuse. Calmly state, “I do not consent to a search.” Exercising this right protects you from unlawful or overreaching police actions.

If police collect evidence without a valid warrant, that evidence can often be thrown out in court. This single step could make or break your case.

Step 6: Secure Bail or Release

After being processed at a detention center in Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO criminal defense team at Combs Waterkotte can help:

• Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
• Argue for your release pending trial
• Coordinate with bail bondsmen to expedite your release
• Give you time to focus on your job, your loved ones, and your defense

Step 7: Record Every Detail You Can Remember

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.

When you choose a Combs Waterkotte Glendale, MO criminal defense attorney, you’re not just choosing a leading criminal defense attorney in and around Glendale, MO – you are protecting 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 Glendale, MO residents:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

A Full-Service Glendale, MO Criminal Defense Firm

At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Glendale, MO criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing every type of criminal charge—from minor traffic violations and misdemeanors to the most serious felony and federal cases.

Our legal team defends clients throughout Glendale, 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

Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO federal criminal defense attorneys have the skill, experience, and tenacity to take on even the toughest opponents—including the U.S. Department of Justice. We defend clients charged with a wide range of federal offenses, such as:

• 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.

Learn more about how we handle Glendale, 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

Understanding Glendale Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law

Even a seemingly minor conviction in Glendale, 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.

Convicted felons are barredConvicted felons in Missouri are barred from owning weapons, running for public office, or serving on juries. They must often disclose their criminal status on job or housing applications, which can make rebuilding their lives extremely difficult.

However, there is hope. Missouri law provides ways to restore your rights, including expungement, pardon, or record sealing. The Glendale, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore your post-conviction options and start reclaiming your freedom.

Felony Classifications and Penalties in Glendale, 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 — 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 — 3 to 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO

Misdemeanors are categorized into four classes in Missouri:

• 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 and/or a fine of 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 Glendale, MO defense team at Combs Waterkotte will fight to keep your record clean and your life on track.

Why Combs Waterkotte Is the Right Criminal Defense Firm for You in Glendale, MO

Not all Glendale, 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 available 24/7 for our clients in Glendale, MO. Our attorneys take the time to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through every stage of the process. You’re not just a case number—you’re our priority.
• Aggressive, Trial-Ready Defense: We prepare every Glendale, MO case as though it will go before a judge, giving us leverage to secure better outcomes in negotiations. Prosecutors know which attorneys are prepared to go to trial and which aren’t.
• Strategic Resources: We bring in the right resources, whether it’s witnesses, forensic experts, or investigators, to challenge the state’s evidence and expose weaknesses in their case.
• Local Knowledge & Experience in Glendale. 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 your future is on the line, you deserve a criminal defense team in Glendale, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.

Criminal Defense FAQs for Glendale, MO

I was just arrested in Glendale, 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 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 Glendale, MO?

Often, yes. Every case is different, but our Glendale, MO defense lawyers frequently secure outcomes like probation, community service, or diversion programs that keep clients out of jail, especially those with clean records or low-level charges.

Will a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?

Not always. Missouri gives many people a second chance through the expungement process. Depending on your case, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or cleared after a waiting period. Our Glendale, MO criminal defense attorneys can help you find out if you qualify and take steps to restore your reputation.

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

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 Glendale, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.

Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already pled guilty in Glendale, 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.

Protect Your Rights and Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Glendale, MO’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm Now

The Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO criminal defense lawyer 24/7, no matter the hour, day, or circumstance.

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 Glendale, MO.