Criminal Defense Attorney Kennett, MO

Criminal defense attorney in Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 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 Kennett, MO, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation.

What You’ll Learn on This Page

If you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime in Kennett, MO, your choice of attorney can determine your future. This page covers everything you need to know about criminal defense in Kennett, MO and across Missouri, from felony and misdemeanor classifications to federal cases, sentencing guidelines, and how Combs Waterkotte protects your rights.

Inside this guide, you’ll discover:

• What to do immediately after an arrest in Kennett, MO
• The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
• Penalties and sentencing for misdemeanors and felonies in Kennett, MO
• How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Kennett, MO and beyond
• Why Combs Waterkotte is one of Missouri’s top-rated criminal defense firms
• How our experience and strategy can help you secure the best possible outcome in Kennett, MO.

Steps to Take After an Arrest in Kennett, MO

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

Step 1: Keep Calm and Avoid Resistance

No matter how unfair or unnecessary the arrest may feel, it’s essential to remain composed. Arguing or resisting, even verbally, can lead to additional charges in Kennett, MO. Keep your hands visible, follow all lawful instructions, and avoid sudden movements. Remember, your behavior is being closely observed and could later become part of the evidence against you.

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: Ask for a Kennett, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Don’t say a word or sign any papers until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. This is your right—use it. Calling a Kennett, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte right after your arrest gives you the strongest start possible because:

• 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 Kennett, MO
• You can reach us 24 hours a day anywhere in the Kennett, MO area and beyond—day or night, weekends and holidays included.

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

Do not discuss your arrest or charges with friends, family, or anyone else—especially online or through text. Prosecutors can subpoena social media posts, messages, or even casual statements made to others. Only speak about your Kennett, MO case with your attorney and legal team.

Step 5: Never Agree to a Search Without a Warrant

If law enforcement asks to search your Kennett, 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: Work to Secure Bail or Release

After being booked into a Kennett, MO detention facility, you may qualify for bail or release on your own recognizance, depending on the charges. An experienced Kennett, MO criminal defense attorney can act quickly to:

• File motions to lower your bond amount
• Advocate for release pending trial
• Work with bail bondsmen to secure your freedom quickly
• Help you return to work, care for family, and assist in building your defense

Step 7: Document Everything You 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 Kennett, MO criminal defense attorney, you aren’t just selecting a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Kennett, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys, our team is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for Kennett, MO residents:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

A Comprehensive Kennett, MO Criminal Defense Firm

At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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

Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 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.

Discover how we defend clients in complex federal criminal cases in the Kennett, 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.

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How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future

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Understanding Kennett Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law

Even a minor conviction in Kennett, MO can have lasting consequences. A misdemeanor may result in fines, probation, or jail time, while a felony conviction can bring years in state prison and permanently restrict your rights—including your ability to vote, own firearms, or hold 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 Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 — 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 Kennett, 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 Offenses and Penalties in Kennett, 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 and/or 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 — A fine of up to $500

Many misdemeanor offenders qualify for probation, community service, or expungement—and our experienced and relentless Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys fight to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible.

Why Hire Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kennett, MO?

Not all Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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 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.
• Unmatched 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 Kennett. 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 at stake, you deserve a Kennett, MO defense team that’s experienced, aggressive, and completely committed to protecting your freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kennett, MO

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

Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Do not answer any questions or make statements without legal representation. Politely invoke your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away so our defense team can step in to protect your rights and begin preparing your case.

What’s the difference between state and federal criminal 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 Kennett, MO?

Yes. Depending on your case, our Kennett, 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 criminal conviction stay on my record forever?

Not always. Missouri allows for expungement of certain crimes after a waiting period. Our Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys can determine if you qualify for expungement and help clear your record.

What if I’ve been charged with a felony but have no prior offenses?

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

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, Kennett, MO’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm Now

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 Kennett, MO defense attorneys, we aren’t afraid of doing whatever it takes to prove your innocence—including going to trial.

Our commitment to client service is unmatched: you’ll have direct, 24/7 access to your Kennett, MO criminal defense attorney whenever you need guidance or support.

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.