Union, MO Defense attorney. The moments after an arrest or criminal accusation are critical. Fear and uncertainty are normal, but inaction can cost you your freedom and future. With an experienced Union, MO defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte on your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the prosecution, protect your rights, and fight for your best outcome, in and out of court.
If you’re under investigation or already facing charges, time is not on your side in Union, MO. Prosecutors are gathering evidence right now. Our skilled legal team will immediately start building your defense, working to suppress harmful evidence and seek dismissal, reduction, or acquittal. Call (314) 900-HELP or request a free consultation today and put our trial-tested team to work for you.
Article Summary
Being charged with a crime in Union, MO can feel overwhelming. But, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. This page explains the critical role a skilled Union, MO defense attorney plays in protecting your rights, minimizing the consequences, and guiding you through every stage of the criminal process. We covered the types of charges Combs Waterkotte handles, from drug offenses and DWIs to violent crimes and white-collar cases, as well as the steps involved from arrest to trial. Our team brings decades of combined experience, a client-centered approach, and proven courtroom success to every case we take. Whether your goal is dismissal, reduced charges, or an acquittal, we fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome. If you are facing criminal charges in Union, MO, now is the time to act.
Legal Videos
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Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
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Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
What Your Union, MO Defense Attorney Does
A skilled defense lawyer in Union, MO is more than just a legal representative—we are your advocate, strategist, and protector. Our job is to hold the system accountable, ensuring law enforcement and prosecutors respect your constitutional rights every step of the way. Whether your case involves a minor misdemeanor, a serious felony, or a complex federal charge, our focus is on protecting your freedom and your future.
Our representation is comprehensive in Union, MO. We investigate the facts, interview witnesses, consult with experts, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for trial when necessary. This approach not only positions you for the strongest defense but also gives you leverage in plea negotiations and sentencing hearings. Your case is never just a file number to us—it’s your life, and we take that seriously.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney in Union, MO?
Attempting to represent yourself or relying on an overworked public defender can leave you vulnerable to harsh penalties. An experienced Union, MO defense attorney gives you a fighting chance. Here’s what we do for you:
- Defend Your Constitutional Rights: We challenge illegal searches, coerced confessions, and procedural violations to make sure evidence used against you is admissible.
- Investigate the Case: We look for every possible defense by interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and uncovering hidden evidence that helps your case.
- Navigate the Process: From the first court appearance to trial, our experienced Union, MO defense attorney makes sure you know exactly what’s happening and what comes next.
- Give You Honest Advice: You get clear explanations of the charges, potential penalties, and available defenses so you can make informed decisions.
- Negotiate for the Best Outcome: From reduced charges to probation or dismissal, we work for resolutions that minimize the impact on your life.
- Stand Up for You at Trial: If trial is your best option, we build a strong case and defense strategy to create reasonable doubt and fight for an acquittal.
- Reduce the Fallout: We work to protect your job, family, and reputation, and can assist with record expungement or sealing where possible.
- Peace of Mind: Having a skilled Union, MO legal team in your corner gives you confidence and reduces the anxiety of facing criminal charges.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Union, MO
At Combs Waterkotte, we handle virtually every type of criminal case. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or serious felony, we have the experience and resources to defend you effectively in Union, MO:
Union, MO Drug Charges
From possession to large-scale trafficking charges, we scrutinize police stops, searches, and lab results to suppress bad evidence and work toward dismissal, reduction, or diversion programs like drug court in the Union, MO area.
DWI/DUI in Union, MO
A DWI conviction can cost you your license, your job, and even your freedom. We investigate traffic stops, breathalyzer accuracy, and police procedures to protect your rights and your ability to drive.
Gun & Weapons Charges in the Union, MO Area
Weapons charges require a strategic defense. We handle cases involving unlawful possession, brandishing, concealed carry violations, and allegations of using a firearm during a crime.
Union, MO Violent Crimes
Being accused of assault, homicide, or armed robbery in Union, MO can put your freedom at risk for decades. Our team scrutinizes forensic reports, challenges unreliable witnesses, and builds powerful defenses like self-defense or mistaken identity to fight the state’s case.
Sex Crimes in Union, MO
Sex crime allegations—including sexual assault and child pornography charges—can ruin your life before you ever see a courtroom. Our Union, MO defense attorneys act quickly to protect your name, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work toward the most favorable outcome.
Property & Financial Crime Defense in the Union, MO Area
From shoplifting to embezzlement or identity theft, we defend against property crimes that threaten your record, career, and future opportunities in the Union, MO area.
Criminal Case Timeline in Union, MO
The fear of the unknown is one of the hardest parts of being charged with a crime. At Combs Waterkotte, we break the process down into clear, manageable steps so you know exactly where your case stands and what comes next. Here’s a typical timeline for a Union, MO criminal case:
Step 1: Initial Investigation
Most Union, MO cases begin with an investigation, sometimes long before you know you’re a suspect. Police may gather evidence, interview witnesses, or conduct surveillance. If federal authorities are involved in the Union, MO area, this phase can last months or even years. During this stage, we can intervene early to protect your rights, prevent overreach, and in some cases stop charges from ever being filed.
Step 2: Arrest & Booking
When authorities believe they have enough evidence, they will make an arrest. You’ll be taken into custody, fingerprinted, and booked into the local system. Having an experienced Union, MO defense lawyer at this point is crucial to avoid making statements that prosecutors can later use against you.
Step 3: Bail & Release Options
After your arrest, you may be eligible for release while your case moves forward. The court will set bail based on the seriousness of the charges, your record, and your likelihood to appear at future hearings. Our Union, MO defense attorneys fight for affordable bail, recognizance release, or reduced bond conditions so you can go home and prepare your defense.
Step 4: First Court Appearance
Your arraignment is the moment the court officially puts you on record. We handle this crucial step for you—entering the appropriate plea, preventing missteps, and positioning your case for dismissal or negotiation from day one.
Step 5: Discovery Phase
This stage gives us access to the government’s case against you, including police reports, videos, and witness statements. We comb through every detail, identifying weak points, illegal searches, or procedural errors we can use to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Step 6: Pretrial Motions
This is where many cases are won. Our team files aggressive motions to throw out evidence, challenge unreliable witnesses, and weaken the prosecutor’s case before it ever reaches a jury.
Step 7: Negotiations & Resolutions
Because we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, prosecutors know we are serious. That leverage often leads to favorable plea deals—lower charges, reduced jail time, or probation instead of prison.
Step 8: Trial
If trial is the best option, we bring a polished, battle-tested defense. Our Union, MO attorneys cross-examine witnesses, present compelling evidence, and fight to convince the jury there’s reasonable doubt—working for an acquittal or the lightest sentence possible.
Step 9: Sentencing Advocacy
Sentencing is your final chance to influence the outcome. We present a powerful case for leniency—emphasizing your positive contributions, rehabilitation, and reasons the court should consider alternatives to jail or reduce the sentence.
Step 10: Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
Your fight doesn’t always end with sentencing. We can file appeals, seek sentence reductions, request expungements, or pursue post-conviction relief to clear your record. Our Union, MO defense attorneys remain committed to protecting your rights even after the verdict.
Key Takeaway: The criminal process isn’t over until every option has been explored. Getting a skilled Union, MO defense lawyer involved early gives you the best chance to shape what happens next.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
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 and Southern Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Why Combs Waterkotte Is the Right Choice for Your Case in Union, MO
Criminal charges can change your life in an instant—your lawyer should change it back. The Combs Waterkotte team delivers aggressive, hands-on defense designed to keep you out of jail and protect your future.
Here’s what sets us apart for clients facing serious charges in Union, MO:
- Client-Centered Approach: We take the time to hear your side, explain the law clearly, and design a legal strategy that reflects your priorities and goals.
- Relentless Trial Preparation: Our Union, MO defense attorneys prepare as if a jury is waiting. This approach gives us maximum leverage in plea talks and makes us formidable in the courtroom.
- Powerful Legal Resources: From forensic specialists to private investigators, we assemble the right team to challenge the government’s case piece by piece.
- Strategic Negotiation: Because we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, prosecutors know they must take us seriously—often leading to better plea offers.
- Proven Success: We have a long history of case dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals across Union, MO courts.
- Knowledge of the Local System: We know the judges, prosecutors, and unique procedures in Union courtrooms, which gives us an edge when building your defense.
- Always Available in Union, MO: When the police show up or charges hit unexpectedly, we’re available—day or night—to protect your rights immediately.
Bottom Line: When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you get a Union, MO defense team that fights as hard for your case as they would for their own family. Call (314) 900-HELP now or request a free consultation and put our experience to work for you today.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte defense attorney in or around Union, MO, you aren’t just hiring the ideal defense attorney in Union, MO and beyond – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable defense attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Union, MO residents:
Common FAQs our Union, MO Defense Attorneys Hear
What should I consider when hiring a Union, MO defense attorney?
Look for a lawyer with proven success in cases like yours, who communicates openly and respects your goals. The right attorney should guide you through the process and fight relentlessly for your rights from day one.
How much will a Union, MO defense attorney charge?
The cost of legal services varies by case complexity and whether it goes to trial. We offer straightforward pricing and a free consultation so you can make an informed choice without surprises.
Can a Union, MO defense attorney help keep me out of jail?
While no lawyer can promise a specific outcome, experienced attorneys like Combs Waterkotte can negotiate plea deals, argue for probation or diversion programs, and build strong defenses that may lead to acquittals or dismissals.
Take Action: Contact a Union, MO Defense Attorney Right Away
When you are facing criminal charges, every moment counts. The earlier you hire an experienced Union, MO defense lawyer, the better chance we have to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and shape the outcome of your case. Our team is ready to step in immediately and fight for you.
Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation case review and take the first step toward protecting your rights and future.
