Savannah, 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 Savannah, 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 Savannah, 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.
Our legal team has over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience and has handled over 10,000 cases just like yours. Our record of success speaks for itself, reflecting our unwavering commitment to results and respect. If you’re facing a criminal charge in the Savannah, MO area, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, confidential consultation.
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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 …
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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 …
Overview of This Article
Facing criminal charges in Savannah, 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 Savannah, MO and throughout Missouri, including felony and misdemeanor laws, federal prosecution, sentencing, and how the team at Combs Waterkotte fights to protect your future.
Read on to learn:
- What to do immediately after an arrest in Savannah, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- The penalties for Missouri felonies and misdemeanors
- How our attorneys defend clients in drug, assault, fraud, DUI, sex crime, and homicide cases
- Why thousands across Missouri trust our firm when their future is on the line
- Whether you’re fighting for your freedom or just trying to protect your record, this guide explains how we help you navigate the system—and win.
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Steps to Take After an Arrest in Savannah, 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 Don’t Resist Arrest
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, do not argue or resist. Resisting arrest in the Savannah, 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
After giving your basic information, stop talking. You have the right to remain silent, and exercising it can make all the difference in your case. Politely say, “I choose to remain silent and would like to speak with my lawyer.” Don’t try to explain or tell your side of the story on the spot—that’s your attorney’s job. Anything you say now can be twisted and used against you later in court.
Step 3: Ask for a Savannah, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
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 Savannah, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte on your side from the very beginning, you can be confident that:
- Police and investigators must communicate through your attorney
- We can ensure your rights are protected from the start
- Our legal team can start building your defense and securing evidence right away in Savannah, MO
- We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in Savannah, MO.
Step 4: Keep Details of Your Savannah, 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: 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 Savannah, MO area.
Evidence obtained through an illegal or warrantless search can often be suppressed, meaning it may be ruled inadmissible in court and cannot be used against you.
Step 6: Secure Bail or Release
After booking, you’ll be taken to a detention facility near Savannah, MO. Depending on your charges, you may be eligible for bond or release on recognizance. Our Savannah, MO criminal defense attorneys can:
- Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
- Argue for your release pending trial
- Coordinate with bail bondsmen to expedite your release
- Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with your defense
Step 7: Write Down Every Detail of the Arrest
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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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 choose a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney in the Savannah, MO area, you aren’t just hiring a leading criminal defense attorney in and around Savannah, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers, our team is available 24/7 and provides experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Savannah and beyond:
Your Trusted Savannah, MO Criminal Defense Team
The Savannah, 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 Savannah, MO practice areas include:
- 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
Savannah, 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 Savannah, MO federal criminal defense attorneys are equipped to take on the most complex and high-stakes federal cases. With decades of combined courtroom experience, we stand up to the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies to protect our clients’ rights. We handle a wide range of federal offenses, 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.
Discover how we defend clients in complex federal criminal cases in the Savannah, 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.
Understanding Savannah Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law
Even a minor conviction in Savannah, 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.
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.
But there are opportunities for a fresh start. Missouri law allows individuals to restore their rights through expungement, pardons, or record sealing. The Savannah, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore every available legal avenue to rebuild your life and reclaim your future.
Andrew County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Andrew County and Missouri.
Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in Savannah, MO
Felonies in Missouri are classified by severity, each carrying its own range of punishments:
- Class A Felony — 10 to 30 years, or life in prison
- Class B Felony — 5 to 15 years in prison
- Class C Felony — between 3 and 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 Savannah, 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 Savannah, 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 a fine of up to $2,000
- Class B Misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail; 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 Savannah, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight to protect your record and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Savannah, 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 Savannah, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:
- Personal Attention, 24/7: We’re available 24/7 for our clients in Savannah, 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.
- Extensive Resources: We utilize expert witnesses, forensic specialists, and private investigators to uncover critical details that can make or break your case.
- Experience & Expertise in Savannah. MO: Our attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and court systems throughout Savannah, MO, allowing us to tailor defense strategies that work effectively in your jurisdiction.
When everything is on the line, trust a Savannah, MO criminal defense team that has the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for your best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense FAQs for Savannah, MO
I was just arrested in Savannah, 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 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 avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Savannah, MO?
Often, yes. Every case is different, but our Savannah, 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 Savannah, 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?
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 Savannah, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.
Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already pled guilty in Savannah, MO?
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 Savannah, MO Criminal Defense Lawyers Right Away
The Savannah, MO criminal defense attorney you choose could determine your entire future. Don’t leave that to chance. While public defenders are often overwhelmed and other attorneys might shy away from trial, we at Combs Waterkotte fight every case as if your freedom depends on it—because it does.
Our clients are never just case numbers. You’ll have direct access to your Savannah, 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.
