Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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, we’ve built a reputation as Mississippi County’s premier criminal defense firm by combining aggressive advocacy with strategic legal insight. Our Mississippi County, MO criminal defense lawyers handle cases at every level—from misdemeanors and felonies to high-stakes federal prosecutions. We don’t just defend cases; we defend your future.
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 Mississippi 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.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
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Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
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.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
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.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
What You’ll Learn on This Page
If you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime in Mississippi County, MO, your choice of attorney can determine your future. This page covers everything you need to know about criminal defense in Mississippi County, 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 right after being arrested in Mississippi County, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- The penalties for Mississippi County, MO felonies and misdemeanors
- How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Mississippi County, MO and beyond
- Why thousands across Missouri trust our firm when their future is on the line
- How we help you take control of your Mississippi 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 Mississippi County, MO
Being arrested in Mississippi County, 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: 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 Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi County, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:
- Law enforcement and investigators must go through your lawyer for all communication
- We can ensure your rights are protected from the start
- Our team can start gathering and preserving key evidence immediately in Mississippi County, MO
- You can reach us 24 hours a day anywhere in the Mississippi County, MO area and beyond—day or night, weekends and holidays included.
Step 4: Keep Details of Your Mississippi County, MO Case Private
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: Don’t Consent to 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 Mississippi County, 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: Get Out on Bail or Release Quickly
After booking, you’ll be taken to a detention facility near Mississippi County, MO. Depending on your charges, you may be eligible for bond or release on recognizance. Our Mississippi County, 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: 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.
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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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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If you hire a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney in the Mississippi County, MO area, you’re not just hiring a leading criminal defense attorney in Mississippi County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers, our team is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Mississippi County and beyond:
A Comprehensive Mississippi County, MO Criminal Defense Firm
The Mississippi County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte handle all levels of criminal cases—from traffic tickets and misdemeanors to serious felony and federal offenses.
Our legal team defends clients throughout Mississippi County, 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
Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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
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 Mississippi County, 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.
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.
Mississippi County Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law
Even a minor conviction in Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore every available legal avenue to rebuild your life and reclaim your future.
Mississippi County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Mississippi County and Missouri.
Felony Classifications and Penalties in Mississippi County, 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 in state prison, or life imprisonment
- 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 — no more than 7 years in prison
- Class E Felony — no more than 4 years in prison
Factors like prior offenses, use of weapons, or crimes motivated by bias can increase the severity of a charge and the sentence you face. The good news is that a knowledgeable Mississippi County, MO criminal defense lawyer can often step in early to negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or even a complete dismissal — helping you protect your record and your future.
Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Mississippi County, 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/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 — 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 Mississippi County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight to protect your record and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Combs Waterkotte Is the Right Criminal Defense Firm for You in Mississippi County, MO
Not all Mississippi County, 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:
- Client-Centered Representation: We’re always available when you need us in Mississippi 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-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.
- 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 Mississippi 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 your future is at stake, you deserve a Mississippi County, MO defense team that’s experienced, aggressive, and completely committed to protecting your freedom.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Mississippi County, MO
I was just arrested in Mississippi County, 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 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 Mississippi County, MO?
Often, yes. Every case is different, but our Mississippi County, 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.
Does a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?
Not always. Missouri allows for expungement of certain crimes after a waiting period. Our Mississippi 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?
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 Mississippi County, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.
Can Combs Waterkotte still help if I already pled guilty?
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.
Protect Your Rights and Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi County, 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.
