Criminal defense attorney in Springfield, MO. 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO area, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, confidential consultation.
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 …
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 …
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
Facing criminal charges in Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 immediately after an arrest in Springfield, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- The penalties for Missouri felonies and misdemeanors
- How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Springfield, MO and beyond
- Why Combs Waterkotte is recognized as Springfield, MO’s leading criminal defense firm
- How our experience and strategy can help you secure the best possible outcome in Springfield, MO.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Steps to Take After an Arrest in Springfield, MO
Being arrested can be frightening and confusing—especially if it’s your first time dealing with the Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO:
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 Springfield, 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: 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: Get a Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO
- Our attorneys are available 24/7 for emergency calls after an arrest in Springfield, MO—day or night.
Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your Springfield, MO Case
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: Don’t Consent to Searches Without a Warrant
If law enforcement asks to search your Springfield, MO home, vehicle, or phone, you are under no obligation to agree. Unless officers present a valid warrant signed by a judge, you have the legal right to refuse. Calmly state, “I do not consent to a search.” Exercising this right protects you from unlawful or overreaching police actions.
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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO criminal defense team at Combs Waterkotte can help:
- Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
- Advocate for release pending trial
- 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: Record Every Detail You Can 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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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 Springfield, MO area, you’re not just selecting a top-rated criminal defense attorney in and around Springfield, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys, our team is available 24/7 and provides experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Springfield and beyond:
A Full-Service Springfield, MO Criminal Defense Firm
The dedicated Springfield, MO criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte are equipped to handle any criminal matter—whether you’re dealing with a simple ticket, a misdemeanor offense, or a high-stakes felony or federal charge.
Our legal team defends clients throughout Springfield, 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
Springfield, MO Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law
Even a seemingly minor conviction in Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO attorneys at Combs Waterkotte can help you explore your post-conviction options and start reclaiming your freedom.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in Springfield, MO
Felonies in Missouri are classified by severity, each carrying its own range of punishments:
- 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 — 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
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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 fines 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO
Not all Springfield, 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-Focused Representation: We’re available 24/7 for our clients in Springfield, 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-Tested Defense: We prepare every Springfield, 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.
- Unmatched 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 Springfield. 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 on the line, you deserve a criminal defense team in Springfield, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.
Criminal Defense FAQs for Springfield, MO
What should I do first if I’m arrested in Springfield, MO?
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.
How are state and federal criminal charges different?
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 Springfield, MO?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, our experienced Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys may be able to negotiate alternatives such as probation, deferred sentencing, diversion programs, or rehabilitation options, particularly for first-time or non-violent offenses.
Will a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?
Not always. Missouri allows for expungement of certain crimes after a waiting period. Our Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.
Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already entered a guilty plea?
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, Springfield, 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 clients are never just case numbers. You’ll have direct access to your Springfield, 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.
