Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorney. An arrest or criminal accusation can turn your world upside down — but it doesn’t have to define your future. With an experienced Combs Waterkotte Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorney on your side, you’ll have an experienced advocate protecting your rights, your reputation, and your freedom every step of the way.
At Combs Waterkotte, our mission is clear: deliver exceptional legal defense and life-changing results. Our Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys represent clients in every type of case, from misdemeanors to major felonies and federal offenses. We take a personal, aggressive, and strategic approach to ensure every client gets the strongest possible defense. We know that good people sometimes find themselves in difficult situations—and we believe everyone deserves a second chance and a strong defense.
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 Lee’s Summit, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Lee’s Summit, MO, the information here could make a real difference in your case. This page outlines what every defendant needs to know about Missouri criminal law — from your first moments after arrest to how our attorneys at Combs Waterkotte fight to protect your freedom and reputation.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What to do right after being arrested in Lee’s Summit, MO
- The key differences between state and federal criminal charges
- The penalties for Lee’s Summit, MO felonies and misdemeanors
- How Combs Waterkotte defends clients in complex drug, DUI, sex crime, and violent crime cases in Lee’s Summit, MO and beyond
- Why thousands across Missouri trust our firm when their future is on the line
- Whether you’re fighting for your freedom or just trying to protect your record, this guide explains how we help you navigate the system—and win.
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What to Do After You’re Arrested in Lee’s Summit, MO
Being arrested in Lee’s Summit, MO can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. Whether it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system or not, what you do in the moments immediately following your arrest can greatly influence the outcome of your case. Follow these critical steps to protect your rights and strengthen your defense from the very beginning:
Step 1: Keep Calm and Avoid Resistance
Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, do not argue or resist. Resisting arrest in the Lee’s Summit, 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: Stay Silent and Ask for an Attorney
You have the constitutional right to remain silent. After providing basic identifying information (name, date of birth, address), you are not required to answer any questions about the alleged crime. Politely say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I would like to speak with my attorney.” Do not try to explain, justify, or talk your way out of the arrest, those statements can and will be used by prosecutors later.
Step 3: Contact a Lee’s Summit, MO Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
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 Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte involved early means:
- Police and prosecutors are required to communicate through your attorney
- We make sure your constitutional rights are respected from the beginning
- Our team can start gathering and preserving key evidence immediately in Lee’s Summit, MO
- We’re available 24/7 to respond to emergencies anywhere in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Step 4: Avoid Discussing Your Lee’s Summit, MO Case with Anyone
Silence is protection. Avoid talking about your arrest with anyone, even people you trust, and stay off social media. Texts, DMs, and posts can be taken out of context and used against you. Only discuss your situation with your attorney or legal team at Combs Waterkotte, where your information stays completely confidential.
Step 5: Don’t Consent to Searches Without a Warrant
Police may ask for your consent to search your car, home, or phone in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. You have the right to refuse consent unless they present a valid warrant. Politely say, “I do not consent to any searches.”
Evidence obtained through an illegal or warrantless search can often be suppressed, meaning it may be ruled inadmissible in court and cannot be used against you.
Step 6: Work to Secure Bail or Release
After booking, you’ll be taken to a detention facility near Lee’s Summit, MO. Depending on your charges, you may be eligible for bond or release on recognizance. Our Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys can:
- Request a bond reduction hearing to lower bail amounts
- Argue for your release pending trial
- Work with bail bondsmen to secure your freedom quickly
- Early release allows you to continue working, caring for family, and helping with your defense
Step 7: Record Every Detail You Can 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.
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney in the Lee’s Summit, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal criminal defense attorney in and around Lee’s Summit, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to trustworthy criminal defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers experience and expertise in the following areas for residents in Lee’s Summit and beyond:
A Full-Service Lee’s Summit, MO Criminal Defense Firm
At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing every type of criminal charge—from minor traffic violations and misdemeanors to the most serious felony and federal cases.
Our legal team defends clients throughout Lee’s Summit, 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 Lee’s Summit, 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.
At Combs Waterkotte, our Lee’s Summit, MO federal criminal defense attorneys have the skill, experience, and tenacity to take on even the toughest opponents—including the U.S. Department of Justice. We defend clients charged with a wide range of federal offenses, such as:
- 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
Federal prosecutors are relentless—their goal is conviction, not compromise. They routinely pressure defendants into plea agreements that carry harsh prison terms and permanent criminal records. At Combs Waterkotte, we take a different approach. Our attorneys meticulously scrutinize every detail of the case, challenge the government’s evidence, uncover procedural violations, and fight to have charges reduced or dismissed long before a plea becomes necessary.
Discover how we defend clients in complex federal criminal cases in the Lee’s Summit, 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.
Understanding Lee’s Summit Criminal Penalties and Your Rights Under Missouri Law
Even a minor conviction in Lee’s Summit, 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.
Missouri law bars convicted felons from owning firearms, serving on juries, or holding public office. Many must also disclose their conviction status when applying for jobs or housing, creating lasting barriers even after they’ve served their time.
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 Lee’s Summit, MO defense lawyers work tirelessly to help clients clear their records and move forward with confidence and dignity.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Felony Levels and Possible Penalties in Lee’s Summit, MO
Missouri divides felonies into five classes based on the seriousness of the crime. Each class carries a different potential prison sentence:
- Class A Felony — 10 to 30 years, or life in prison
- Class B Felony — at least 5 but no more than 15 years in prison
- Class C Felony — 3 to 10 years in prison
- Class D Felony — up to 7 years in prison
- Class E Felony — up to 4 years in prison
Aggravating factors (weapons, repeat offenses, or hate-related motives) can elevate a felony’s class—increasing penalties. However, a skilled Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate charge reductions, diversion programs, or case dismissals.
Misdemeanor Offenses and Penalties in Lee’s Summit, MO
In Missouri, misdemeanor charges are divided into four distinct classes, each carrying its own range of possible 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 and fines up to $1,000
- Class C Misdemeanor — Up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $700
- Class D Misdemeanor — A fine of up to $500
Many misdemeanor offenders qualify for probation, community service, or expungement—and our experienced and relentless Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys fight to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible.
Why Hire Combs Waterkotte as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO?
Choosing the right defense attorney can be the most important decision you ever make. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve built our reputation on delivering results through preparation, communication, and relentless advocacy. Here’s what sets our Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense lawyers apart:
- Client-Focused Representation: We’re available 24/7 in Lee’s Summit, MO and beyond, and we take the time to understand your priorities, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every stage. You are never just another case file—you are our focus.
- Aggressive, Trial-Ready Defense: We prepare every Lee’s Summit, 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: Our firm works with expert witnesses, investigators, and forensic specialists to find the facts others overlook, and to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
- Proven Local Experience in Lee’s Summit. 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 at stake, you deserve a Lee’s Summit, MO defense team that’s experienced, aggressive, and completely committed to protecting your freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Lee’s Summit, MO
I was just arrested in Lee’s Summit, MO. What should I do?
Stay calm, remain silent, and ask for an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact Combs Waterkotte immediately so we can protect your rights and start building your defense.
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 Lee’s Summit, MO?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, our experienced Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys may be able to negotiate alternatives such as probation, deferred sentencing, diversion programs, or rehabilitation options, particularly for first-time or non-violent offenses.
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 Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorneys can help you find out if you qualify and take steps to restore your reputation.
What if this is my first felony charge?
Having a clean record can work in your favor. Courts often view a lack of prior convictions as a mitigating factor, which can lead to reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal. With skilled representation from a Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorney, you have a far greater chance of avoiding severe penalties.
Can Combs Waterkotte help if I already pled guilty in Lee’s Summit, MO?
Absolutely. Our defense team can explore post-conviction relief, including filing appeals or motions for sentence reduction. Don’t wait. Contact us immediately to review your options. Deadlines for these actions are strict and time-sensitive.
Protect Your Rights and Your Future — Call Combs Waterkotte, Lee’s Summit, MO’s Premier Criminal Defense Firm Now
The Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense attorney you choose could determine your entire future. Don’t leave that to chance. While public defenders are often overwhelmed and other attorneys might shy away from trial, we at Combs Waterkotte fight every case as if your freedom depends on it—because it does.
Our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will receive 24/7 access to the Lee’s Summit, MO criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or anything else.
Don’t roll the dice. Make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a case review and we can get started on your defense in Lee’s Summit, MO.
