Combs Waterkotte is the Leading Criminal Defense Law Firm in Missouri.

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Item: Combs Waterkotte
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Author: David W.

Combs Waterkotte is a top-rated criminal defense law firm serving St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri. Our defense attorneys will fight for your freedom, your rights, and will not stop until you get justice. Our exceptional record and over 350 reviews speaks for itself. We help good people in bad situations, just like you.

Best DWI Lawyers St. Louis | Top-Rated DWI Defense Attorneys

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Cases Handled

Over 10,000

Jail Days Saved

Over 1 Million

Google Reviews

350+ Perfect

Legal Experience

Over 50 Years

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri

By Hiring Combs Waterkotte for your criminal defense case:

Keep a conviction off your record and avoid harsh sentencing.
We handle misdemeanors, felonies, and complex federal charges.
Skilled in trial defense, investigation, and pre-trial negotiations.
Over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience.
Custom payment plans to avoid financial impacts.
Responsive support and case updates – call us any time day or night at no extra charge.
Get on with your life.

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“Best group of criminal defense lawyers in the St. Louis area. I can’t say enough about them and the lengths that this firm will go to ensure presumption of innocence and actually fight for their clients.”

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch | Combs Waterkotte

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We Win Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri

Over 10,000 Missouri Criminal Cases Closed
Over 350 Five-Star Google Reviews
Over Five Decades of Criminal Defense Experience
Extensive Dismissals and Victories
Multiple Major Media Apperances

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Louis | Leading Crime Attorneys | Top-Rated Criminal Attorneys in Missouri

Best criminal lawyers and attorneys in Missouri

We Win What Can’t Be Won:

The defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte are known for taking on and winning cases other firms thought were impossible. Whether you’re facing a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony, we’re here to fight for your future and freedoms in and out of the courtroom.

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Call Now: (314) 900-HELP

You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact St. Louis’s top-rated crime attorneys at (314) 900-HELP to start fighting for your freedom and future today.

Assault & Violent Crimes

Assault and other violent offenses in Missouri range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. These charges may involve allegations of physical injury, use of a weapon, or intent to cause harm, and can carry penalties such as jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Sex Crimes

Sex crime charges, including sexual assault, statutory rape, and possession of child pornography, are prosecuted aggressively in Missouri. A conviction can lead to mandatory registration as a sex offender, significant prison time, and long-term social and professional consequences.
Federal Crimes

Federal criminal charges involve violations of U.S. law and are prosecuted in federal court. These cases often include drug trafficking, wire fraud, weapons violations, or offenses that cross state lines. Federal cases carry enhanced penalties and are subject to different procedures than state charges.
DWI / DUI

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol can result in criminal penalties, license suspension, and increased insurance costs. Missouri law imposes strict consequences for first-time and repeat offenders, especially if the incident involved an accident or injury.
Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges involve allegations of abuse or threats against a family or household member. These cases can lead to protective orders, loss of firearm rights, and potential jail time. Even a misdemeanor domestic assault conviction can have lasting legal and personal impacts.
Felonies

Felonies in Missouri are the most serious category of criminal offenses and include crimes such as robbery, arson, serious assaults, and homicide. A felony conviction can result in prison time, loss of civil rights, and long-term barriers to employment, housing, and education.
Weapons Charges

Weapons offenses in Missouri may include unlawful possession, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or use of a firearm in the commission of a crime. Convictions can lead to jail time, loss of gun rights, and enhanced sentencing under repeat offender statutes.
Drug Charges

Missouri drug offenses cover a wide range, from simple possession to trafficking in controlled substances. Penalties depend on the type and amount of drug, prior convictions, and whether intent to distribute is alleged. Drug convictions can lead to incarceration, fines, and driver's license suspension.
Theft / Burglary

Theft and burglary charges involve the unlawful taking of property and may include shoplifting, stealing, auto theft, or breaking and entering. In Missouri, the severity of the charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the offense.
Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile offenses are handled through a separate court system in Missouri, with a focus on rehabilitation. Common charges include theft, vandalism, assault, and drug possession. However, serious offenses may result in certification to stand trial as an adult, exposing minors to harsher penalties.

Assault & Violent Crimes

Assault and other violent offenses in Missouri range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. These charges may involve allegations of physical injury, use of a weapon, or intent to cause harm, and can carry penalties such as jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Sex Crimes

Sex crime charges, including sexual assault, statutory rape, and possession of child pornography, are prosecuted aggressively in Missouri. A conviction can lead to mandatory registration as a sex offender, significant prison time, and long-term social and professional consequences.
Federal Crimes

Federal criminal charges involve violations of U.S. law and are prosecuted in federal court. These cases often include drug trafficking, wire fraud, weapons violations, or offenses that cross state lines. Federal cases carry enhanced penalties and are subject to different procedures than state charges.
DWI / DUI

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol can result in criminal penalties, license suspension, and increased insurance costs. Missouri law imposes strict consequences for first-time and repeat offenders, especially if the incident involved an accident or injury.
Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges involve allegations of abuse or threats against a family or household member. These cases can lead to protective orders, loss of firearm rights, and potential jail time. Even a misdemeanor domestic assault conviction can have lasting legal and personal impacts.
Felonies

Felonies in Missouri are the most serious category of criminal offenses and include crimes such as robbery, arson, serious assaults, and homicide. A felony conviction can result in prison time, loss of civil rights, and long-term barriers to employment, housing, and education.
Weapons Charges

Weapons offenses in Missouri may include unlawful possession, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or use of a firearm in the commission of a crime. Convictions can lead to jail time, loss of gun rights, and enhanced sentencing under repeat offender statutes.
Drug Charges

Missouri drug offenses cover a wide range, from simple possession to trafficking in controlled substances. Penalties depend on the type and amount of drug, prior convictions, and whether intent to distribute is alleged. Drug convictions can lead to incarceration, fines, and driver's license suspension.
Theft / Burglary

Theft and burglary charges involve the unlawful taking of property and may include shoplifting, stealing, auto theft, or breaking and entering. In Missouri, the severity of the charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the offense.
Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile offenses are handled through a separate court system in Missouri, with a focus on rehabilitation. Common charges include theft, vandalism, assault, and drug possession. However, serious offenses may result in certification to stand trial as an adult, exposing minors to harsher penalties.

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Criminal Defense Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Tell My Criminal Defense Lawyer That I’m Guilty?
Should I Tell My Criminal Defense Lawyer That I’m Guilty?
Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me Get My Case Dismissed?
Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me Get My Case Dismissed?
What Rights Do Felons Lose in Missouri?
What Rights Do Felons Lose in Missouri?
What Should I Do After Being Charged With a Crime?
What Should I Do After Being Charged With a Crime?

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Christopher Combs

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Steven Waterkotte

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Matthew Brown

Senior Associate Attorney

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Matthew Wideman

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Andrew Russek

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The Best Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers

Combs Waterkotte’s crime defense attorneys are trial-tested defenders with extensive experience handling a full range of criminal charges. Known for their client-centered approach, they work closely with each individual to build strong, personalized defenses. With a record of success both in and out of the courtroom, our experienced criminal defense lawyers have earned the trust of hundreds across Missouri.

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Christopher Combs

Partner

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Steven Waterkotte

Partner

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Matthew Brown

Senior Associate Attorney

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Matthew Wideman

Of Counsel

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Andrew Russek

Associate Attorney

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St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyers defending freedom and lives.

The consequences of a conviction can significantly change your life. You want to work with attorneys who will fight fiercely for your interests and understand your unique situation. We defend our clients’ rights and freedoms with vigor and intelligence, while maintaining an unmatched level of open communication and honesty. Our clients can rest assured that they will recieve not only the finest in representation, but also be cared for and listened to throughout the legal process.

We help people just like you, every day, no matter the charge.

We understand that good people can end up finding themselves in bad situations. Whether you are wrongly accused, took things too far or made a decision you now regret, we have dedicated our lives to helping those facing life-altering criminal charges find the best possible resolution for their case. We combine expert legal knowledge with a commitment to personal communication and client satisfaction.

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