Felony Lawyer in St. Louis

Missouri Felony Attorneys

If you have been recently arrested for a felony and you’re looking for answers and support, Combs Waterkotte is the place to turn to. Our firm is one of the most reputable criminal defense law firms in St. Louis, MO, and we have the knowledge and experience you need to navigate your way through the criminal justice system.

We have tried hundreds of felony cases in Missouri and can help you minimize the overall impact of felony charges on your life. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP and we can provide you a free, confidential consultation with a St. Louis felony lawyer that will answer all the questions you are asking about your felony charges.

According to Missouri law, felonies are a charge that may change your life forever. Don't wait to contact our St. Louis felony lawyers for more information if you've been convicted.

What to Do If You're Arrested for a Felony Charge in St. Louis

Getting arrested for a felony can be terrifying. Your future is at stake, and every decision you make matters.

The good news? You have rights—and the right legal defense can make all the difference. Follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case from the moment you're arrested.

1. Stay Calm and Say Nothing

The police are not on your side—no matter how friendly they seem. They are trying to get a conviction from the moment they suspect you, and they are legally allowed to lie to you. Anything you say can (and will) be used against you.

• Do not answer any questions beyond providing your name.
• Do not try to explain yourself—even if you're innocent.
• Do not talk to officers without an attorney present.

Even if you think something is harmless, it can be twisted against you later. Silence is your best initial defense.

2. Know Your Rights

Under both the U.S. Constitution and Missouri law, you have key rights that can protect you during an arrest:

• Right to remain silent – You do not have to answer police questions.
• Right to an attorney – You can (and should) ask for a lawyer immediately.
• Right to refuse searches – Officers need a warrant unless you give them permission.

If the police violate your rights, it could help get your charges reduced or dismissed. But you have to know them first.

3. Do Not Consent to a Search

The police may ask if they can search you, your car, or your home. If you say yes, they don’t need a warrant—and anything they find can be used against you.

• Say clearly: “I do not consent to a search.”
• If they search anyway, do not resist—just make a note of what happened.
• Call a felony defense attorney immediately.

Illegal searches are one of the most common defense strategies in felony cases. If your rights were violated, it could help get evidence thrown out.

4. Contact a Felony Defense Lawyer ASAP

The sooner you call a lawyer, the stronger your defense will be. A felony conviction can change your life forever—don’t take any chances.

• A lawyer can challenge the arrest and push for reduced bail or dropped charges.
• They will deal with police and prosecutors for you—so you don’t have to.
• They’ll start building your defense immediately while evidence is fresh.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP for aggressive felony defense.

5. Understand the Bail & Arraignment Process

After an arrest, you’ll have a bail hearing where a judge decides if you can be released before trial.

• Bail is not guaranteed – Some felonies have high bail amounts or no bail at all.
• A lawyer can argue for lower bail based on your background and case details.
• If you can’t afford bail, a lawyer may be able to negotiate alternatives.

Your arraignment (first court appearance) happens soon after arrest. This is where:

• The charges against you are formally read.
• You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• The judge may decide on bail conditions or release terms.

Having a lawyer before this hearing can be the difference between staying in jail or fighting your case from home.

6. Gather Evidence & Witnesses

If possible, document everything about your arrest. The more details you have, the stronger your defense will be.

• Write down everything you remember – Time, location, names of officers, and what was said.
• Save any texts, emails, or call logs that might support your defense.
• Get witness names and contact info if anyone saw what happened.

A felony lawyer will investigate your case and find weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.

7. Follow All Court Orders

After your release, you may have restrictions while your case is pending. Breaking these rules can get you sent back to jail.

• Do NOT contact alleged victims or witnesses.
• Do NOT leave the state without permission.
• Do NOT get arrested again—even for something minor.

A judge will see you as less trustworthy if you don’t follow the rules. Your lawyer can help modify these conditions if needed.

Common Felony Charges We Defend in St. Louis

If you’re facing felony charges in St. Louis, you need an experienced defense attorney with experience defending felony charges in Missouri. Combs Waterkotte successfully defended clients against a wide range of felony charges, from violent crimes to white-collar offenses.

A felony conviction can impact your freedom, career, and future. Our legal team fights aggressively to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Violent Felonies

Violent felonies carry some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. A conviction can lead to decades in prison—or even life behind bars. If you are accused of any of these offenses, you need a skilled defense attorney immediately.

• Murder (First & Second Degree) – Homicide charges carry life-altering consequences. We build strategic defenses to challenge evidence and prosecution claims.
• Assault (First, Second, & Third Degree) – Assault charges depend on intent, severity of injuries, and use of a weapon. We fight to reduce or dismiss these charges.
• Armed Robbery – Missouri imposes strict sentences for robbery involving weapons. We analyze evidence, witness credibility, and self-defense claims.
• Domestic Violence Felony Charges – Accusations of domestic assault can lead to restraining orders, jail time, and firearm restrictions.

Property Crimes

Felony property crimes involve theft, destruction, or unlawful entry. Many cases involve weak evidence, mistaken identity, or misunderstandings.

• Burglary (First & Second Degree) – Breaking and entering charges depend on intent and whether a weapon was involved.
• Grand Theft / Auto Theft – Stealing high-value property, including vehicles, can result in felony charges.
• Arson – Setting fire to property—whether intentional or accidental—can lead to felony charges with severe penalties.

Drug-Related Felonies

Missouri enforces strict drug laws, and felony convictions can result in long prison sentences and permanent criminal records.

• Drug Trafficking – Charges depend on the type and quantity of drugs. We challenge search and seizure violations and weak prosecution claims.
• Drug Distribution & Manufacturing – Prosecutors must prove intent. We scrutinize evidence, police conduct, and lab testing errors.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute – Law enforcement may misinterpret possession as intent to distribute based on the quantity of drugs.

Sex Crimes

Sex crime accusations carry a social stigma and life-changing consequences. A conviction can lead to prison time and lifelong sex offender registration.

• Rape & Sexual Assault – False accusations and lack of consent are key defense areas.
• Child Enticement & Online Solicitation – Digital evidence must be carefully examined for entrapment and legal violations.
• Possession of Child Pornography – The prosecution must prove knowing possession and intent. We fight for dismissal or reduction of charges.

Weapons & Firearms Offenses

Missouri gun laws less strict than other stats, but a felony firearms conviction can result in long-term imprisonment and loss of gun rights.

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm – If you have a prior felony, owning a firearm can result in serious penalties.
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Charges often involve accusations of carrying a firearm illegally or brandishing a weapon.
• Gun Trafficking – We challenge weak evidence and constitutional violations.

Driving & Repeat Offenses

Felony driving offenses often involve DUI/DWI cases with serious injuries or repeat offenses.

• DWI/DUI (Felony-level) – A third DWI conviction or a DUI involving injury or death is a felony.
• Vehicular Manslaughter – Charges depend on negligence, intoxication, and accident circumstances.
• Repeat Offenders with Prior Convictions – Multiple felonies increase sentencing severity. We explore expungement and alternative sentencing options.

Facing Felony Charges? Get Legal Help Now.

Felony charges don’t just disappear—you need an aggressive defense team fighting for your rights. The sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP today for a free consultation.

Defense Strategies for Felony Charges in St. Louis

Being charged with a felony does not mean you are guilty. Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are many ways to challenge their claims. At Combs Waterkotte, we use proven defense strategies to fight felony charges and protect your future.

1. Challenging Evidence & Burden of Proof

The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are weaknesses in their case, we will find them.

• Challenging evidence: Prosecutors must present valid and reliable evidence. We investigate flaws in their case.
• Suppressing illegally obtained evidence: If law enforcement violated your rights, we can file motions to exclude that evidence from trial.

2. Violation of Constitutional Rights

If police violate your constitutional rights, your case could be dismissed or reduced.

• Illegal search & seizure (Fourth Amendment defense): If police conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, the evidence may be thrown out.
• Miranda rights violations (Fifth Amendment defense): If officers failed to read your rights or coerced a confession, we can challenge the charges.

3. Lack of Criminal Intent

Many felony charges require proof of intent. If the act was accidental, you may not be guilty.

• Proving the act was accidental: We examine whether the alleged crime was a mistake or misunderstanding.
• Missouri’s legal threshold for criminal intent: The state must prove you acted knowingly and willfully.

4. Alibi Defense

If you have an alibi were not at the scene of the crime, we can provide evidence to prove it.

• Using witness testimony: We gather statements from credible witnesses who can confirm your whereabouts.
• Digital evidence: Cell phone records, GPS data, and surveillance footage can be used to support your alibi.

5. Self-Defense & Defense of Others

Missouri law allows you to defend yourself or protect others from harm.

• When Missouri’s self-defense laws apply: If you were defending yourself, your case could be dismissed.
• Proving reasonable fear of harm: We demonstrate that your actions were justified under state law.

6. Entrapment or Coercion

If law enforcement pushed you into committing a crime, it could be a case of entrapment or coercion.

• When law enforcement oversteps: We investigate whether undercover officers coerced or pressured you.
• Proving undue influence: If you were tricked into a crime, we can use entrapment as a defense.

7. Mistaken Identity & False Accusations

Many felony charges result from mistaken identity or false claims.

• Forensic analysis & surveillance footage: We use scientific evidence to prove you were not involved.
• Unreliable witness testimony: Eyewitnesses can be mistaken. We challenge the credibility of their statements.

Can a Felony Be Removed From Your Record in St. Louis and Missouri?

In Missouri, a felony can be removed from someone's record under specific circumstances. This process is called a Felony Expungement, and several years ago, Missouri passed a new law that widened the scope of felony crimes that can be expunged from a record. This new law provides some hope for those who have been convicted of a felony because if they meet all its requirements, they have the potential for the crime to be permanently removed from their records. This means that whenever someone looked into their criminal background, such as during a background check for a job, it is highly likely the crime will not be discovered. We invite you to contact us if you are considering a Missouri felony expungement and have any other questions regarding this process.

Can You Get a Probation for a Felony in St. Louis, MO?

In Missouri, it is possible to get probation for a felony conviction. This is typically in the form of an SIS (suspended imposition of sentence) or an SES (suspended exposition of sentence). When you have been charged with a felony, it's possible, with the help of a top criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis, to work a plea arrangement with the prosecuting attorney assigned to your case. Combs Waterkotte has handled dozens of cases where the best possible outcome for our client was an SIS/SES. With an SIS, the client agrees to be put on probation for a specific period of time. If they successfully complete the probation, their felony conviction will not show up on their criminal record. In most cases, we have found the use of an SIS to be a very positive one for our clients. Although they will still be convicted of a felony and pleaded guilty, the end result is that their careers, jobs, and other negative consequences of a felony are diminished. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and we can determine if an SIS or SES is a viable solution to your felony case.