Raymore, MO criminal defense attorney. 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 Raymore, 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, our mission is clear: deliver exceptional legal defense and life-changing results. Our Raymore, 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 Raymore, 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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Article Summary
Facing criminal charges in Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO and throughout Missouri, including felony and misdemeanor laws, federal prosecution, sentencing, and how the team at Combs Waterkotte fights to protect your future.
Inside this guide, you’ll discover:
- What to do right after being arrested in Raymore, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- Penalties and sentencing for misdemeanors and felonies in Raymore, MO
- How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO case, and your future, from day one.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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What to Do After You’re Arrested in Raymore, MO
Getting arrested is a stressful and confusing experience, especially if you’ve never dealt with the criminal justice system before. But your actions in the first few hours after an arrest can shape your entire case. Here’s exactly what to do to protect your rights and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your defense:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Cooperate
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 Raymore, 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: Stay Silent and Ask for an Attorney
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: Get a Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte right after your arrest gives you the strongest start possible because:
- Police and prosecutors are required to communicate through your attorney
- We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
- We can begin gathering evidence immediately to strengthen your defense in Raymore, MO
- You can reach us 24 hours a day anywhere in the Raymore, MO area and beyond—day or night, weekends and holidays included.
Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your Raymore, 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 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 Raymore, MO area.
Unlawful or warrantless searches often lead to suppressed evidence, meaning it cannot be used against you in court.
Step 6: Secure Bail or Release
After being booked into a Raymore, MO detention facility, you may qualify for bail or release on your own recognizance, depending on the charges. An experienced Raymore, 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
- Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with 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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Know Your Next Steps
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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If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney in the Raymore, MO area, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Raymore, MO and beyond – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Raymore and beyond:
Your Trusted Raymore, MO Criminal Defense Team
The Raymore, 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 Raymore, 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
Raymore, 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 Raymore, 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 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.
To learn more about how we handle federal criminal defense cases in the Raymore, MO area, and how federal prosecutions differ from state-level ones, explore our comprehensive guide to federal felony charges.
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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.
Understanding Raymore Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law
No matter how minor the charge, a criminal conviction in Raymore, 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.
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 Raymore, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore every available legal avenue to rebuild your life and reclaim your future.
Cass County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cass County and Missouri.
Felony Classifications and Penalties in Raymore, MO
In Missouri, felony charges are categorized by severity, with each class carrying its own sentencing range and potential consequences:
- 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 — 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 Raymore, MO criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate charge reductions, diversion programs, or case dismissals.
Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties in Raymore, MO
Not all criminal charges are felonies, but even a misdemeanor in Missouri can have serious consequences if it’s not properly addressed. Misdemeanors are classified into four categories, each with different potential 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 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 Raymore, 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 Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:
- Client-Focused Representation: We’re available 24/7 in Raymore, MO and beyond, and we take the time to understand your priorities, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every stage. You are never just another case file—you are our focus.
- Trial-Ready Defense: We prepare every Raymore, 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: Our firm works with expert witnesses, investigators, and forensic specialists to find the facts others overlook, and to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
- Proven Local Experience in Raymore. MO: With decades of combined courtroom experience in Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Raymore, MO
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Raymore, MO?
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.
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 stay out of jail if I’m charged with a crime in Raymore, MO?
Often, yes. Every case is different, but our Raymore, 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 conviction stay on my record permanently?
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 Raymore, MO criminal defense attorneys can help you find out if you qualify and take steps to restore your reputation.
What if this is my first felony charge?
Judges often consider lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor. With the right representation, your Raymore, MO attorney can argue for reduced penalties, probation, or even case dismissal.
Can Combs Waterkotte still help if I already pled guilty?
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 Raymore, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers Right Away
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 clients are never just case numbers. You’ll have direct access to your Raymore, 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 Raymore, MO.
