Criminal Defense Attorney Maryland Heights, MO

Criminal defense attorney in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 believe every client deserves a powerful defense and a fair chance to rebuild their life. Our Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO
• How state and federal criminal processes differ—and what that means for you
• The penalties for Maryland Heights, MO felonies and misdemeanors
• How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Maryland Heights, MO and beyond
• Why Combs Waterkotte is one of Missouri’s top-rated criminal defense firms
• How we help you take control of your Maryland Heights, MO case, and your future, from day one.

What You Should Do Right After an Arrest in Maryland Heights, MO

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

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 Maryland Heights, 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

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 Maryland Heights, MO Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away

Before you answer any questions or sign anything, make it clear that you want to speak with your attorney. This is your constitutional right, and invoking it is one of the most important decisions you can make. When you have an experienced Maryland Heights, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte on your side from the very beginning, you can be confident that:

• Law enforcement and investigators must go through your lawyer for all communication
• We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
• Our legal team can start building your defense and securing evidence right away in Maryland Heights, MO
• We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in Maryland Heights, MO.

Step 4: Keep Details of Your Maryland Heights, MO Case Private

Silence is protection. Avoid talking about your arrest with anyone, even people you trust, and stay off social media. Texts, DMs, and posts can be taken out of context and used against you. Only discuss your situation with your attorney or legal team at Combs Waterkotte, where your information stays completely confidential.

Step 5: Refuse 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 Maryland Heights, MO area.

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 booking, you’ll be taken to a detention facility near Maryland Heights, MO. Depending on your charges, you may be eligible for bond or release on recognizance. Our Maryland Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys can:

• File motions to lower your bond amount
• Argue for pretrial release so you can stay with your family
• Work directly with bail bondsmen to secure your release fast
• Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with your defense

Step 7: Document Everything You 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 criminal defense attorney in the Maryland Heights, MO area, you aren’t just selecting a leading criminal defense attorney in Maryland Heights, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to trustworthy criminal defense lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Maryland Heights and beyond:

A Full-Service Maryland Heights, MO Criminal Defense Firm

At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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

Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 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 Maryland Heights, MO federal criminal cases, what makes them unique, and how they are different from state cases.

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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.

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Maryland Heights Criminal Convictions and Their Impact in Missouri

Even a seemingly minor conviction in Maryland Heights, 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.

Under Missouri law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, serving on juries, or holding public office. They are also often required to disclose their criminal history on employment and housing applications, making it much harder to move forward after a conviction.

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

Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in Maryland Heights, 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 — 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 — 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, 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 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 or a fine of up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor — A fine of 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO?

When your freedom and reputation are at stake, experience and strategy make all the difference. At Combs Waterkotte, our defense philosophy is built on preparation, client trust, and a proven record of results. With over six decades of combined experience, our team offers unmatched dedication and insight into the Maryland Heights, MO court system:

• Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re available 24/7 for our clients in Maryland Heights, 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.
• 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: 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 Maryland Heights. MO: With decades of combined courtroom experience in Maryland Heights, MO and across Missouri, our criminal defense attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and unique procedures in local courts—and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

When your future is on the line, you deserve a criminal defense team in Maryland Heights, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Maryland Heights, MO

I was just arrested in Maryland Heights, 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.

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.

Can I stay out of jail if I’m charged with a crime in Maryland Heights, MO?

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

Does 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 Maryland Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys can help you find out if you qualify and take steps to restore your reputation.

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 Maryland Heights, 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, Maryland Heights, MO’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm Now

Choosing the right attorney can mean the difference between walking free and facing years behind bars. Your future is too important to trust to an overworked public defender or an inexperienced lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we approach every case with the skill, strategy, and determination it takes to win—whether that means negotiating a favorable outcome or taking your case to trial.

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

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 Maryland Heights, MO.