Criminal Defense Attorney Wentzville, MO

Wentzville, MO criminal defense attorney. Being accused of a crime is one of the most serious challenges you can face — but with the right legal team, it’s one you can overcome. A dedicated Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO criminal defense attorney will fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and work relentlessly to secure the best outcome possible.

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

Steps to Take After an Arrest in Wentzville, MO

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

Step 1: Keep Calm and Avoid Resistance

Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, do not argue or resist. Resisting arrest in the Wentzville, 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

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 Wentzville, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

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 Wentzville, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:

• Police and prosecutors are required to communicate through your attorney
• Your legal rights will be protected at every stage of the process
• Our legal team can start building your defense and securing evidence right away in Wentzville, MO
• We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in Wentzville, MO.

Step 4: Don’t Talk About Your Wentzville, 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: Refuse Searches Without a Warrant

If law enforcement asks to search your Wentzville, 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: Secure Bail or Release

After being booked into a Wentzville, MO detention facility, you may qualify for bail or release on your own recognizance, depending on the charges. An experienced Wentzville, MO criminal defense attorney can act quickly to:

• File for a bond reduction hearing
• Advocate for release pending trial
• Work directly with bail bondsmen to secure your release fast
• Give you time to focus on your job, your loved ones, and 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 Wentzville, MO criminal defense attorney, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated criminal defense attorney in and around Wentzville, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Wentzville and beyond:

A Full-Service Wentzville, MO Criminal Defense Firm

The dedicated Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Wentzville, MO

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.

The federal criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte know exactly how to level the playing field. Our Wentzville, 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

We understand that federal prosecutors are driven to win. They often push for plea bargains that result in lengthy prison sentences and lifelong records. Our firm’s approach is different—we challenge the evidence, expose procedural errors, and fight to have charges dismissed or reduced before they ever reach a plea stage.

Discover how we defend clients in complex federal criminal cases in the Wentzville, 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.

Name *

Email

Please leave this field empty.
Submit Form

Δ

---

Read Book Online

Understanding Wentzville Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law

Even a minor conviction in Wentzville, 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.

Fortunately, there are ways to rebuild. Missouri provides several options for restoring your rights, including record expungement, pardons, and sealing past convictions. At Combs Waterkotte, our Wentzville, MO defense lawyers work tirelessly to help clients clear their records and move forward with confidence and dignity.

Felony Offense Levels and Sentencing in Wentzville, MO

Felonies in Missouri are classified by severity, each carrying its own range of punishments:

• Class A Felony — 10 to 30 years in state prison, or life imprisonment
• 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 Wentzville, 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.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Wentzville, 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; 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 or a fine of up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor — Fines 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 Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO

Not all Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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.
• Aggressive, Trial-Ready Defense: We prepare every Wentzville, 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: We utilize expert witnesses, forensic specialists, and private investigators to uncover critical details that can make or break your case.
• Proven Local Experience in Wentzville. 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 Wentzville, MO that is dedicated to fighting for the best possible result.

Criminal Defense FAQs for Wentzville, MO

What should I do first if I’m arrested in Wentzville, 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.

What’s the difference between state and federal charges?

State charges are prosecuted by Missouri courts and typically involve violations of state law. Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys for crimes that cross state lines or involve federal agencies. Federal penalties are usually much harsher.

Can I avoid jail time for a criminal charge in Wentzville, MO?

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

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

What happens if I’m charged with a felony but have no prior record?

Judges often consider lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor. With the right representation, your Wentzville, MO attorney can argue for reduced penalties, probation, or even case dismissal.

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, Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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.