Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis

Your St. Louis, MO Criminal Defense Team

Though you have rights and protections when accused of a crime in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney fighting for you and preserving those rights. The possible outcomes after being arrested for a crime vary so greatly and it takes a skilled St. Louis criminal defense lawyer to navigate the legal proceedings that follow. We will lead the way and protect you from unfair and unlawful treatment by the courts.

Our criminal defense legal team has more than 50 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.

When You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Our law firm places client satisfaction at the center of everything we do. When you hire Combs Waterkotte, you get 24/7 access to the St. Louis criminal defense attorney working on your case. The following are just a few of the reasons you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer:

• Investigating to Make Sure Your Rights Were Not Violated

Although we hope that most St. Louis citizens know their constitutional rights when facing questioning or arrest, there is a strict protocol that law enforcement must follow. Combs Waterkotte holds them accountable. Police will go to great lengths to obtain the “evidence” needed for a conviction. In fact, police are even allowed to lie during interrogations. A Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney will make sure law enforcement does not violate:

• Your Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure
• Your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
• Your Sixth Amendment right to a lawyer
• The Laws in St. Louis and Missouri are Continually Changing

Laws seem to change without people knowing. In fact, it often seems only attorneys and those in the legal field are aware of changes coming down the pipeline in the legislature. Whether it’s new marijuana legislation, texting-while-driving, or even expungement laws, Missouri has recently seen quite a few changes. The Combs Waterkotte attorneys stay abreast of the changes, and notify all clients.

• Criminal Defense Lawyers Know the Law

Criminal law in St. Louis is complicated. In certain cases, it may be best to accept a plea deal or negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges. However, every case is different. Our legal team has strong relationships with local courts and judges throughout St. Louis, and may be able to ask for leniency due to mitigating circumstances. If the case goes to trial, we may be able to show there is insufficient evidence to convict you beyond a reasonable doubt. Or maybe the evidence was contaminated? Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us.

Free book

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.

Name *

Email

Please leave this field empty. Submit Form

Δ

---

Read Book Online

Common Criminal Defense Cases We Take in St. Louis and Across Missouri

If you’ve been charged with a crime in St. Louis, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney with experience in Missouri. Combs Waterkotte has successfully defended clients against a wide range of charges, from drug crimes to domestic violence offenses. A conviction can impact your freedom, career, and future. Our skilled legal team fights tenaciously to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome in your case.

DWI/DUI Lawyer In St. Louis, MO

Combs Waterkotte is an experienced DWI/DUI law firm in St. Louis, MO that has helped many people fight their charges. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is taken seriously in Missouri. It affects your car insurance costs, driving record, license privileges, and can prevent you from traveling to certain foreign countries, most notably Canada. In addition, depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be barred from legally getting behind the wheel for anywhere from several months to a year or more. You may also be required to pay for, install, and maintain an ignition interlock device, which will prevent you from operating a vehicle unless you blow into a breathalyzer and record a result under a certain limit. The length of time you can be required to use this device varies depending on your offense and previous record.

Our DWI defense approach begins with a thorough review of a police report and all the evidence against you. While you may think that you are going to be certainly convicted, the facts of your case may show that this may not be the case. Police officers and staff are required by law to follow a particular procedure when making arrests for DWI/DUI. If they deviate from this protocol even slightly, or improperly administer components like field sobriety tests, what was once an airtight case can now become one with grounds for dismissal.

Our firm has helped many people who have been arrested for DWI/DUI and wish to fight their charges. We have succeeded in reducing charges, getting fair adjudications, and having DWI/DUI cases dismissed. Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your DWI/DUI case and provide you with the legal representation you deserve.

Drug Charges in St. Louis, MO

Combs Waterkotte recognizes that St. Louis, MO, just like the entire nation, is in the midst of an illegal drug epidemic, the likes of which we have not seen in generations. Our attorneys know that even good people who live productive lives can get caught up in drug addiction, which can lead them to desperate acts to support said addiction. In Missouri, drug charges are largely based on the type of drug involved and the amount one had in possession. In addition, the law differs between whether you simply possessed an illegal substance, or were intending to sell or distribute it.

Our firm has helped many people in St. Louis, MO facing drug charges. We take each illegal drug case seriously and work with you to determine the best course of action to take. We dig deep, examine all the details of your case, and formulate a defense that is unique for your case. We will fight your charges every step of the way and will tirelessly work to get them reduced, if not dropped entirely. In addition, we will actively work with prosecuting attorneys to determine if alternative resolutions, such as drug treatment programs, are viable options to pursue in your case.

Our firm is also cognizant of the fact that opinions about drug laws, and indeed even the laws themselves, are rapidly changing in Missouri. Drugs that once were scheduled and seen as a national menace, like marijuana, are now being legalized.

Violent Crime Charges in St. Louis, MO

Violent crimes carry some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. A conviction can lead to decades in prison—or even life behind bars. If you are accused of any of these offenses, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney right away.

• First & Second Degree Murder – Homicide charges carry life-altering consequences. We challenge evidence and the prosecution's claims by building proven defense strategies.
• First, Second, & Third Degree Assault – Assault charges depend on intent, severity of injuries, and use of a weapon. We fight to reduce or dismiss these charges.
• Armed Robbery – Missouri imposes strict sentences for robbery involving weapons. We analyze evidence, witness credibility, and self-defense claims.
• Domestic Violence Charges – Accusations of domestic assault can lead to restraining orders, jail time, and firearm restrictions.

Felony Charges in St. Louis, MO

Being accused of a crime classified by Missouri as a felony is a serious charge. In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories based on the severity. Felonies range from class A crimes, such as murder or kidnapping, all the way to class D felonies like third-degree assault or leaving the scene of an accident. Sentencing guidelines and punishments vary depending on what class of felony you are facing. This could include a potentially long prison sentence, substantial fines, or a lengthy probation period. In addition, you might run into difficulty finding work, and may not be able to exercise your right to vote or possess a firearm.

• Class A Felony — Minimum of 10 years and no more than 30 years in prison, or life in prison
• Class B Felony — At least five but no more than 15 years in prison
• Class C Felony — Between three and 10 years in prison
• Class D Felony — Up to seven years in prison
• Class E Felony — Up to four years in prison

Defense Against St. Louis, MO Felony Charges

Combs Waterkotte has a strong record of defending people in St. Louis, MO charged with felony offenses. We give every one of our felony clients the serious and personal attention they deserve. Our attorneys are devoted to zealously defending our clients, while always ensuring they are valued, respected, and always informed of the status of their case.

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you are convicted of a felony, the exact terms of your punishment will be decided by the judge. They will take into account factors such as the specific circumstances of the crime, your history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, meaning what is typically considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen if you have prior convictions or in certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes based on a victim's race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney representing you, your original Class B charge could be reduced to a lesser felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a lesser punishment.

In some cases with the right circumstances and the skill of an experienced defense attorney, you can have the charges dropped entirely. If you have a strong case but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer will take the fight to trial, where they will present your case to a jury of your peers who will then determine whether or not you are guilty. Contact our St. Louis felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in St. Louis, MO

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in St. Louis are grouped into categories based on severity. Rather than time in state prison and possible parole supervision, misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one year in county or city jail or may just involve fines.

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail; a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor — Up to six months in jail; a fine of 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
• Unclassified Misdemeanor — Penalties vary

Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can be enhanced based upon the circumstances or your criminal history. However, you can often avoid jail time for misdemeanors and instead agree to a period of supervision known as probation. You may also be required to meet additional requirements as a condition of your probation, such as community service or competition of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Misdemeanors are not to be taken lightly, but are not as serious as felony convictions and a good criminal defense attorney can help you get an outcome that is minimally disruptive to your life and allows you to move forward in a positive light. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and your options with a St. Louis criminal defense attorney now.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies in St. Louis

Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. In fact, prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are many ways to challenge their claims and evidence. Here's some of the proven defense strategies the Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys use:

• Alibi: Proves you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, making it impossible for you to be responsible. We can essentially prove your absence from the crime scene through evidence like location data or witness testimony.
• Battered Spouse Syndrome: We argue that your use of force was justified due to your traumatic experiences. Due to an existence of a pattern of abuse, you acted out of a reasonable belief of danger.
• Castle Doctrine: Allows you to use to use force, including deadly force, against an intruder in your home without a duty to retreat, essentially stating that a "a man's home is his castle."
• Consent: We prove that the alleged victim willingly agreed to the actions that form the basis of the criminal charge. This defense is often used in assault and sex crimes.
• Defense of Others: Involves proving you are justified in using reasonable force to protect someone else from imminent harm.
• Duress: Claims you committed a crime because you were forced to do so under immediate threat of serious harm or death, leaving no other reasonable alternative but to commit the crime. This defense acknowledges that the act was illegal but argues that you should not be held accountable due to the coercive circumstances.
• Entrapment: Occurs when you're induced by law enforcement to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed.
• Lack of Intent: Argues the absence of the necessary mental state to commit the crime, such as accidental actions.
• Miranda Rights: Challenges the admissibility of evidence or statements when you were not informed of your rights during arrest.
• Necessity: Justifies your actions as necessary to prevent a greater harm in an emergency situation. This defense demonstrates that were no other viable options to avoid the harm besides committing the illegal act.
• Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: You admit to committing the crime, but we argue that you were mentally ill at the time and therefore lacked the capacity to understand the wrongfulness of your actions. The focus here is on your mental condition at the moment of the crime, not your current or past state.
• Self-Defense: Justifies the use of reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm. This is a common defense is assault, homicide, and other violent crimes.
• Stand Your Ground: Extends the right to use force without retreating beyond the home, applicable in any location where you feel threatened.