Madison County, 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 Madison County, MO from Combs Waterkotte by your side, you can protect your rights, fight for your freedom, and move forward with confidence.
At Combs Waterkotte, our mission is clear: deliver exceptional legal defense and life-changing results. Our Madison 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.
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 Madison County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney.
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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.
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Overview of This Article
If you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime in Madison County, MO, your choice of attorney can determine your future. This page covers everything you need to know about criminal defense in Madison County, MO and across Missouri, from felony and misdemeanor classifications to federal cases, sentencing guidelines, and how Combs Waterkotte protects your rights.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What to do immediately after an arrest in Madison County, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- The penalties for Madison County, MO felonies and misdemeanors
- How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Madison County, MO and beyond
- Why Combs Waterkotte is recognized as Madison County, MO’s leading criminal defense firm
- How we help you take control of your Madison County, MO case, and your future, from day one.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
What You Should Do Right After an Arrest in Madison County, MO
Being arrested can be frightening and confusing—especially if it’s your first time dealing with the Madison 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 Madison County, MO:
Step 1: Keep Calm and Avoid Resistance
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, do not argue or resist. Resisting arrest in the Madison County, MO area, even verbally, can result in additional charges and make your situation worse. Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and comply with police instructions. Everything you say or do will be closely observed and may later be used against you in court.
Step 2: Exercise 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 Madison County, MO Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
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 Madison County, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:
- Police and investigators must communicate through your attorney
- Your legal rights will be protected at every stage of the process
- Our legal team can start building your defense and securing evidence right away in Madison County, MO
- We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in Madison County, MO.
Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your Madison County, 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
Police may ask for your consent to search your car, home, or phone in the Madison 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.”
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 processed at a detention center in Madison 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 Madison County, MO criminal defense team at Combs Waterkotte can help:
- File motions to lower your bond amount
- Argue for your release pending trial
- Work with bail bondsmen to secure your freedom quickly
- Give you time to focus on your job, your loved ones, and your defense
Step 7: Document Everything You Remember
Write down everything about your arrest while it’s still fresh in your mind—what the officers said, when and where you were detained, who witnessed it, and any searches that occurred. These details can be invaluable later in identifying procedural violations, challenging the arrest, or exposing police misconduct.
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Protect Your Life
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 Madison County, MO criminal defense attorney, you’re not just selecting a leading criminal defense attorney in Madison County, MO and beyond – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with trustworthy criminal defense lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Madison County and beyond:
Your Trusted Madison County, MO Criminal Defense Team
At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Madison County, 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.
We provide comprehensive legal defense across a full range of practice areas in and around Madison County, 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
Madison County, MO Federal Crime Lawyer You Can Trust
Being charged with a federal crime is vastly different, and far more serious, than facing charges in state court. Federal prosecutors have nearly unlimited resources, extensive investigative power, and a conviction rate of over 90%, according to Pew Research.
At Combs Waterkotte, our Madison County, 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
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.
To learn more about how we handle federal criminal defense cases in the Madison County, MO area, and how federal prosecutions differ from state-level ones, explore our comprehensive 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.
Madison County Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law
No matter how minor the charge, a criminal conviction in Madison County, 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.
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.
Fortunately, there are ways to rebuild. Missouri provides several options for restoring your rights, including record expungement, pardons, and sealing past convictions. At Combs Waterkotte, our Madison County, MO defense lawyers work tirelessly to help clients clear their records and move forward with confidence and dignity.
Madison County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Madison County and Missouri.
Felony Levels and Possible Penalties in Madison County, 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 — no more than 4 years in prison
Aggravating factors (weapons, repeat offenses, or hate-related motives) can elevate a felony’s class—increasing penalties. However, a skilled Madison County, MO criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate charge reductions, diversion programs, or case dismissals.
Misdemeanor Offenses and Penalties in Madison County, MO
In Missouri, misdemeanor charges are divided into four distinct classes, each carrying its own range of possible 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 and/or 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
Although misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they still carry long-term consequences if not handled properly. Fortunately, many misdemeanor cases can be resolved through probation, community service, or even expungement. The experienced Madison County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight to protect your record and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Hire Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Madison 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 Madison County, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:
- Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re always available when you need us in Madison County, 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.
- Unmatched Resources: We utilize expert witnesses, forensic specialists, and private investigators to uncover critical details that can make or break your case.
- Proven Local Experience in Madison County. 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 Madison County, MO criminal defense team that has the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for your best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense FAQs for Madison County, MO
What should I do first if I’m arrested in Madison County, MO?
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.
What’s the difference between state and federal charges?
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.
Is it possible to avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Madison County, MO?
Yes. Depending on your case, our Madison County, 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 always. Missouri allows for expungement of certain crimes after a waiting period. Our Madison County, 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 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 Madison 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.
Take Charge of Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Your Trusted Madison County, 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 Madison County, MO defense attorneys, we aren’t afraid of doing whatever it takes to prove your innocence—including going to trial.
Our clients are never just case numbers. You’ll have direct access to your Madison County, MO criminal defense lawyer 24/7, no matter the hour, day, or circumstance.
Don’t take chances with your freedom. Make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Contact us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation. The sooner we start, the stronger your defense will be.
