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 Missouri or anywhere in the US, 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 practiced 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.

Drug Charges in St. Louis and Missouri

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 years. He knows 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. Missouri, for instance, is now a state where medical cannabis is legal, and there are many conversations amongst lawmakers about fully legalizing marijuana for adult use, as is the case in Illinois.

DWI Lawyer In St. Louis, Missouri

Combs Waterkotte is an experienced DWI and DUI law firm in St. Louis, MO that has helped many people fight their drunk driving 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 indeed 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 your alcohol influence 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 driving while intoxicated. 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 driving while intoxicated and wish to fight their charges. We have succeeded in reducing charges, getting fair adjudications, and having DWI or DUI cases dismissed. Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your DUI case or DWI case and provide you with the legal representation you deserve.

Defense Against St. Louis, MO Felony Charges

Being accused of a crime classified by Missouri as a felony is a serious charge. Felonies in Missouri 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.

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.

Felony Charges in Missouri

In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories based on the severity. Based on the class of your felony conviction, the punishment will vary.

• 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

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 or St. Louis felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri 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

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 defense attorney now.