Federal criminal lawyer near me in Union, MO. Being accused of a federal crime by a law enforcement agency is nothing short of terrifying. If you or someone you love is facing federal charges, taking the matter seriously—and acting without delay—is essential to safeguarding your future. This is not the time to hesitate. If you’ve been charged with a crime in federal court in Missouri, the most important next step is to contact a federal criminal lawyer near St. Louis immediately.
Combs Waterkotte is an aggressive, client-centered criminal defense firm in the Union, MO area. Our firm has a federal criminal lawyer near Union, MO ready to personally take on your case and build a smart, sound defense to best protect your rights and your freedom. Our state and federal criminal defense lawyers near Union, MO have successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours, having many reduced or dismissed entirely. When that is not an option, we advise our clients on the best legal decisions and utilize a strategy to minimize the sentence.
Don’t face federal charges alone. Talk to a dedicated federal criminal attorney near me in Union, MO today. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
Federal vs. State Charges in Union and Across Missouri: What’s the Real Difference?
There are both notable similarities and differences between criminal charges in state and federal courts. Many crimes, in fact, are considered crimes at both the state and federal levels.
The U.S. established federal criminal courts to uphold federal law. There are now thousands of statutes listing various federal criminal offenses that make up Title 18 of the United States Code, which is the country’s federal criminal code. Crimes at the federal level include everything from violent offenses such as murder and robbery to more clerical or “white collar” crimes like fraud and embezzlement. Federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA and IRS enforce various criminal laws within the U.S. Code and the U.S. Attorney’s office prosecutes these criminal allegations in federal criminal court.
While federal and state cases may seem similar on the surface, there are crucial differences that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what sets federal charges apart:
- Types of Crimes in Union, MO: Federal courts prosecute crimes that reach beyond Missouri’s borders—offenses committed on federal land, involving federal officials, or that break national laws. Even if a charge overlaps with state law, the federal system steps in when the stakes or scope are broader.
- Severity of Sentencing: Federal sentencing guidelines are generally much harsher than those at the state level. As a result, individuals facing federal charges often face significantly higher stakes.
- Vast Resources: This is the federal government. Federal agencies do not experience lack of funding in the way that many state and local governments do. Federal agencies have great means at their disposal, including top training and education programs, funding and other resources critical to prosecutors building a case.
- Top-Level Personnel: Federal agents don’t get their jobs easily. They’re often the most experienced and rigorously trained in the field, bringing serious firepower to any case they pursue.
Being charged with a federal crime—whether by a state or federal agency—isn’t just another legal hurdle; it’s a major turning point. And if you’ve faced state charges before, don’t assume it’ll be the same. The rules, risks, and repercussions in federal court are entirely different. When everything’s on the line, trust the seasoned federal criminal defense attorneys in Union, MO at Combs Waterkotte to fight for your future.
Comprehensive Federal Criminal Defense in Union and Across Missouri
When you’re up against federal charges, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a committed team with real federal court experience. Our attorneys in Union, MO have successfully defended clients against a wide array of federal offenses. At Combs Waterkotte, we combine strategic insight with unwavering advocacy to deliver the strong defense you deserve. Drawing from our extensive experience and expertise, we fight to protect your future in cases involving, but not limited to:
- Federal Drug Charges
- Federal Firearm / Weapons Charges
- Federal Kidnapping Charges
- Federal Human Trafficking Charges
- Federal Embezzlement Charges
- Federal Wire Fraud
- Federal Immigration Fraud & Identity Theft Charges
- Federal Internet, Computer, & Cyber Crime Charges
- Federal White-Collar Crime Charges
- Federal Espionage & National Security Violations
If you’re facing federal charges, now is the time to take control of your case. Contact our team to learn how our proven experience can make a difference in your outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to speak with a federal criminal attorney serving the Union, MO area right away.
Building a Strong Defense Against Federal Charges in Union, MO
The practice and process of defending against criminal accusations in federal criminal court is entirely different from the state criminal process. There are rules about when and how certain defenses can be used and whether they will be allowed in Union, MO.
In general, federal criminal defenses fall into four main categories: notice and pretrial defenses, affirmative defenses, specific intent defenses, and uniquely federal defenses.
- Notice & Pretrial Defense — These require early disclosure or judicial approval and apply only under certain conditions. Examples include:
- Alibi
- Insanity
- Public Authority
- Outrageous Government Conduct
- Vindictive Prosecution
- Selective prosecution
- Venue
- Affirmative Defenses: These are legal strategies where the burden shifts to the defendant to prove a specific justification or excuse. When accepted, they can completely dismiss criminal responsibility. Examples of affirmative defenses include:
- Duress: Arguing the defendant had no choice but to commit the act due to an immediate threat of harm.
- Necessity: Justifies the defendant’s actions as necessary to prevent a greater harm in an emergency situation.
- Self-Defense: Permits reasonable force to prevent personal harm.
- Battered Spouse Syndrome: Applies when the defendant, having suffered prolonged abuse, acted out of a reasonable belief of danger.
- Defense of Others: Involves acting to protect someone else from harm by using reasonable force.
- Castle Doctrine: Protects the use of force to defend one’s home against an unlawful intruder, without a duty to retreat.
- Entrapment: Used when law enforcement pressures someone into committing a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
- Withdrawal
- Abandonment
- Voluntary Intoxication
- Statutory defenses
- Specific Intent Defenses: Some actions are only considered crimes if done with criminal intent (i.e. murder), so disproving that you acted with the specific intent given in federal criminal law disproves your guilt regarding the allegation, including:
- Automatism (Involuntary Actions)
- Negating mens rea (lack of criminal intent)
- Good Faith
- Acting on the Advice of Legal Counsel
- Applying Mens Rea to all Elements of the Offense
- Special Federal Defenses: These are unique legal defenses crafted for particular types of federal cases. They’re not used in most criminal trials but can be powerful when applicable—for example:
- Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: Used when the federal government overreaches, prosecuting conduct that falls outside its legitimate authority.
- Commerce Clause: The federal government must generally leave local issues to state governments.
- Derivative Citizenship: Common in immigration-related cases, this defense applies when a child inherits U.S. citizenship through their parent’s naturalization.
Ultimately, your Combs Waterkotte federal criminal lawyer near Union, MO will build a tailored defense for your federal criminal case. We will use the full force of our law firm’s resources to thoroughly investigate your case and the circumstances of your arrest. We will look to ensure that your rights were not violated during any step of the process and if they were, we will protect you. We will identify weaknesses or shortcomings in the prosecution’s case or any procedural mistakes and expose them to invalidate their allegations.
But legal defense isn’t just about fighting—it’s about truth. If the case against you is strong and by the book, we’ll be honest with you about your options. Whether it’s pursuing reduced charges or negotiating a strategic plea, we’ll guide you toward the best possible outcome with your future in mind in Union, MO. No matter the path, we’ll stand with you and fight for your freedom.
Penalties and Potential Outcomes in Union, MO Federal Criminal Cases
Sentencing in federal criminal court is guided by recommendations outlined in the United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual. While these guidelines are not legally binding, they carry significant weight. In addition, certain federal laws may impose mandatory minimum sentences or other statutory penalties, as detailed in the Sentencing Commission’s report.
Every case is different, and the stakes in federal court are high. That’s why having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in Union, MO is essential. The right attorney can help minimize your exposure to harsh penalties—whether by avoiding conviction, negotiating reduced charges, or pursuing more lenient sentencing terms.
Here are some of the potential sentencing outcomes you could be facing, depending on the details of your case:
- Fines — Federal convictions can result in large fines, whether you’re an individual or a corporation, and often reflect the seriousness of the offense.
- Probation — Supervision can be an alternative to a prison sentence; exact terms of your probation will be set by your judge and successful completion of probation can protect you against incarceration.
- Federal Prison — Federal prison sentence terms vary, but are typically longer than similar state sentences. In fact, the average federal sentence is 110 months (~9 years).
- Restitution & Financial Penalties — In some federal criminal cases, the defendant may be made to pay restitution, recoupments, or other financial penalties; used in some cases for financial crimes often in addition to other punishments.
- Other Penalties — Depending on the charges, you could face restrictions like exclusion from federal programs or permanent professional setbacks.
You should take your Union, MO federal criminal charges seriously, but do not panic. Because the punishments for federal crimes are often severe and mandatory minimum sentencing can be unforgiving, it becomes as critical as ever to find capable legal representation in your federal criminal case. An experienced Combs Waterkotte federal criminal attorney near Union, MO can carefully craft an infallible defense against the allegations you face. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer right away, we can help you get the best possible outcome in your federal criminal case, whether it’s getting all charges against you dropped or minimizing your sentence.
Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online now to schedule your consultation with a federal criminal defense attorney in Union, MO.
Our Union, MO federal criminal lawyers have the experience and expertise you need from your attorney in a high-stakes federal case. In addition to federal defense in Union, our skilled attorneys also provide the following:
What Constitutes a Federal Crime in Missouri?
Some examples of Union, MO federal crimes include:
Crimes Crossing Borders
Even when the underlying act doesn’t directly violate a federal statute, crossing state lines during the commission of a crime can elevate it to a federal offense. For instance, transporting illegal substances from Missouri to Illinois would fall under federal jurisdiction.
Defrauding a Federal Organization
Committing a crime that involves a federal organization almost always triggers federal prosecution. A common example is defrauding a government agency through schemes such as:
Enhanced or Aggravated Offenses
Crimes that are especially brutal or dangerous, whether due to the level of violence or impact, can trigger federal prosecution in Union, MO. These may include:
- Terrorism
- Money Laundering
- Killing a Federal Officer
- Assisting a Prisoner Escaping
- Aggravated Assault/Battery
- Aggravated Sexual Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Sex Crimes Against Children
Do You Need a Federal Criminal Lawyer If Facing Charges in Union, MO?
If you’re being investigated by a federal agency or have already been charged, don’t wait. You need a federal criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your freedom. Call (314) 900-HELP today to speak with a dedicated Combs Waterkotte attorney near Union, MO.
A federal defense attorney is a must if you hope to level the playing field. An everyday citizen, regardless of how intelligent or educated you are, is no match for federal agents and law enforcement agencies pursuing charges against you. With strict punishments and immense resources at their disposal, you have a lot more to lose than the federal government does in your federal criminal case.
Don’t take chances with your future. Reach out now to get the defense and guidance you deserve from a lawyer who understands the stakes and will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
Call Combs Waterkotte Now to Hire a Federal Criminal Lawyer Near Union, MO
Any criminal charge is serious—but federal charges raise the stakes even higher. Federal law comes with stricter penalties, tougher prosecutors, and fewer opportunities for leniency. If you’re under investigation or have been charged, your rights, freedom, and future are on the line. Now is not the time to hesitate.
Hiring a seasoned federal criminal lawyer in Union, MO is the most important step you can take to protect yourself. Delaying legal representation only makes matters worse. Contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with an attorney you can trust to defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
