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The Ultimate Guide to Theft Crimes in Missouri

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If you’ve been charged with theft in Missouri, you’re likely feeling a lot of emotions and you’re not sure what to do next. In many cases, a theft charge comes with a sense of shame, defensiveness (because you had no other option), anger at yourself or those who caught you or persuaded you to steal with them. At this stage, it’s vital that you understand exactly what your theft charge means for you, and what next steps you need to take to move forward with your life. 

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about your charge (whether falsely accused or not), answer common questions we hear from the accused, and guide you on your next steps. 

There are a large number of different theft crime charges with a range of possible punishments and future impact on your life. Read on to learn all about what you need to do next to take positive steps forward and fight your charge. 

Contents: 

  • What Constitutes Theft in Missouri? 
  • The Different Types of Theft Crime 
    • Theft
    • Larceny 
    • Burglary 
    • Robbery 
    • Shoplifting 
    • Firearm Theft  
    • Grand Theft Auto 
    • Federal Theft 
    • Check Fraud 
  • What makes a theft crime a misdemeanor or a felony? 
  • What’s the difference between theft, larceny, burglary, and robbery? 
  • Can you be charged for more than one kind of theft? 
  • Is it better to be charged with one type of theft crime over the others?
  • I’ve been falsely accused of theft, what should I do? 
  • Why it’s Important to Fight a Theft Conviction 
  • Hire the Best Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney

What Constitutes Theft in Missouri? 

Missouri defines theft as taking the property or service of another without the owner’s consent, with the intent to deprive the owner, or by deceit or coercion. Essentially, if you take something you don’t own or refuse to pay for services rendered, you are committing theft. 

The Different Types of Theft Crime 

There is a range of different theft crimes which vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the theft. Some of these crimes are classed as misdemeanors (less serious crimes) and others are felonies (serious crimes). 

Theft

Theft is the umbrella term for any form of stealing property or services from another person, as outlined above, and encompasses any situation that does not fit into the categories below.

Larceny 

Larceny simply defines when someone steals the personal property of another. 

Burglary 

Burglary in Missouri is defined as a person entering a building with the intent to steal. Most burglary crimes are class C felonies, but if the offender is armed, threatens or causes injury, or if there is an innocent person within the structure, it is a class B felony. 

Robbery 

Robbery is when the offender forcibly steals from another person and is a class B felony. However, if they threaten the other person with something that is, or appears to be, a weapon, or actually causes injury, it a class A felony. 

Bank robbery comes with much harsher punishments than a ‘normal’ robbery because it is federally owned and therefore you are stealing from the government. Federal crimes are more serious than the same crime against a citizen, and any threat against the bank workers with the intent to steal from it will constitute bank robbery. 

All bank robbery charges will be a class A felony, and therefore you may face up to 30 years in prison, and worse if there are additional charges held against you. If you knowingly accept anything stolen from a bank you will be fined and can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. 

Shoplifting 

Shoplifting occurs when the offender steals something from a place of business. Most occurrences of shoplifting will be a class A misdemeanor as the value of the stolen property will likely be $500 or below. 

Anyone who steals merchandise (anything for sale) from a Missouri store is, in addition to any misdemeanor or felony charges, responsible for the full retail value of anything taken, any incidental costs of up to $100, a penalty to the owner of $100-$250, and any and all court costs and attorney fees incurred by the owner. If the person is a minor, their parental guardian is then responsible. 

Firearm Theft 

Theft of a firearm in Missouri is automatically a class C felony, due to the associated dangers and implications of a stolen firearm. A class C felony automatically lands you with at least 12 months imprisonment. 

Grand Theft Auto (Vehicle Tampering) 

Auto theft is defined as taking a vehicle owned by another, without the owner’s consent, by means of deceit or coercion. Motor vehicle theft can be more complicated than other forms of theft because there are four ‘elements’ that must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt (or admitted to) before the offender can be convicted. 

The first element of auto theft is ‘appropriation of a motor vehicle’, which means the prosecution must prove that the offender took possession of the vehicle without the owner’s consent. 

The second element is that it must be proved that the vehicle was not legally owned by the offender when they took the vehicle. 

The third element is that it must be proved that the offender had ‘intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle’, and had no intention of returning the vehicle. 

The fourth element is that the offender must have taken the car without the permission of the owner, and without coercing or deceiving them to do so. If the offender coerced or deceived the owner, the prosecution must show how this was the case. 

Stealing a car in Missouri is automatically a class C felony, regardless of the value of the vehicle, which is punishable by a minimum of 12 months in prison. 

Federal Theft 

Federal theft is when you are deemed to have stolen something from the government. Most federal theft applies to those working for the government and maybe a charge like failing to deposit money to the treasurer, misuse of public funds, theft of vehicles transporting commerce between states, and theft of government property. 

Check Fraud 

Check fraud is when you give or cash a check you forged, or that is on a bank account you know has insufficient funds (and will therefore bounce). Check fraud, for a value of $500 or less, is a class A misdemeanor, and if over $500 it can be as severe as a class C felony. 

What makes a theft crime a misdemeanor or a felony? 

Some crimes are a felony regardless of any other circumstances, due to the severity of the crime (such as stealing a firearm), while others only warrant a misdemeanor. In general, the charges are as follows: 

  • Class A Misdemeanor: a class A misdemeanor theft is when the value of the property or services stolen is less than $500. Being given stolen property worth less than $500 is also a class A misdemeanor. Any theft crime that does not fit into any other category will also warrant a class A misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a class A misdemeanor is one-year imprisonment and a fine of $1,000.
  • Class D Felony: it is a class D felony when someone steals an animal, or, if the offender has had two or more theft-related convictions within the last 10 years. The maximum punishment for a class D felony is a four-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $5,000, or an amount of up to twice the value of what the offender gained from the theft, up to $20,000.
  • Class C Felony: Theft is a class C felony if the value of the property or service is more than $500, but less than $25,000, if the item was stolen from the owner’s person, or if it is a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, firearm (regardless of worth), explosive, credit card, US flag, legal or historical documents, livestock or wildlife, will, property deed, controlled substance, chemicals that can be used to make illegal substances. It is also a class C felony to receive stolen explosives, receive something stolen if they are a dealer of the stolen good or substance involved, or worth more than $500. The maximum penalty for a class C felony is a prison term of 7 years (and no less than 12 months), a fine of $5,000, or double the value of the stolen property up to $20,000 if it was sold on.
  • Class B Felony: Theft is a class B felony if the stolen property or service is worth $25,000 or more. The maximum punishment for a class B felony is a prison term of 15 years (and no less than 5 years).
  • Class A Felony: Theft can only become a class A felony if the offender harms or threatens another person. The maximum punishment for a class A felony is a 30-year prison sentence (and no less than 10 years), and there are usually no fines included. 

What’s the difference between theft, larceny, burglary, and robbery? 

Theft is the umbrella term that covers any form of stealing from anyone or any entity. Larceny is the term used to describe the theft of personal property (e.g. not commercial or federal property). Burglary is theft from a residence or structure, and robbery is any theft where there is an innocent person who is threatened or harmed in the process. 

Can you be charged with more than one kind of theft? 

Yes, for example, if you rob a bank and then steal a car for your getaway, you will be charged for both occurrences.  It’s not uncommon to see both state and federal theft charges filed in the same crime. If you are facing multiple types of charges then it’s even more critical you get legal representation.

Is it better to be charged with one type of theft crime over the others? 

Yes, for example, a robbery charge will nearly always be more severe than a larceny charge, so where possible your criminal defense lawyer will work to get your charge reduced so you can avoid harsher punishments. 

I’ve been falsely accused of theft, what should I do? 

If you have been falsely accused of theft it’s vital you get an experienced criminal lawyer who knows theft and robbery charges on your side as soon as possible. If you’ve been accused or charged with theft wrongly, you need a lawyer who knows the law and can put together the best strategy to prove your innocence. Unfortunately, the wrongly accused are sometimes convicted of the crimes they didn’t commit, so don’t leave it to fate. 

Why It’s Important to Fight a Theft Conviction 

If a theft charge is minor, you may think that it would be easier to take the conviction in stride, pay the fine, and move on with your life, but it’s important to think about the long-term implications of a theft conviction. 

Of course, theft very quickly becomes a felony charge here in Missouri, and a felony is a very serious matter. Of course, even a theft misdemeanor on your record may make you an unattractive prospect to potential employers who will feel unable to trust you, and future landlords will feel the same, leaving you jobless, potentially homeless, and in worst-case scenarios, unable to feed yourself and your family. 

You may think that a simple theft charge cannot ruin your life, but we’ve seen it happen and we fight to protect our clients’ liberty every day. Take your charge seriously and do everything within your power to fight the charges; get an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney on your case as soon as possible. 

Hire the Best Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney 

No matter your individual circumstances, if you’ve been accused of theft, you need to get a great criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. The legal system can be confusing and intimidating, and as we covered in the section above, a conviction (wrongful or otherwise) can completely derail your life. 

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will fight for your freedom and may be able to get the charges dismissed or reduce your charge so it has a minimal impact on your life. Chris Combs has extensive experience defending theft charges and likely has defended a case just like yours in the past. 

All our clients have access to their lawyer 24/7, we offer completely free consultations, and we get back to most inquiries within 2 hours – so you don’t need to worry for days about what’s going to happen next. Contact us today to get one of the best St. Louis criminal defense lawyers on your case. 

Looking to Hire a Drug Possession St. Louis Lawyer?

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If you’ve been caught for drug possession in Missouri, it’s important you take action right away. Missouri has some of the most severe drug possession penalties in the whole of the US, but punishments can also vary drastically from courtroom to courtroom. For this reason alone, you need a drug possession attorney who has established relationships in the area you are being charged and will know the history of cases like yours with those prosecutors and judges. 

Drug possession charges are some of the most common we deal with here at Combs Law Group, so we are familiar with the common questions and queries people have when facing a drug possession charge. 

Here’s what you need to know to defend and protect yourself. 

What constitutes drug possession in Missouri?

As you may be aware, the definition of “drug possession” in Missouri doesn’t simply cover being caught with illegal substances on your persons, but in any other scenario where you can be considered to be in possession of an illegal substance. 

For example, if you and a friend are transporting cocaine in your vehicle (or if a friend leaves an illegal substance in your vehicle) when you are pulled over for a traffic offense and the attending officers have reason to search your vehicle and find it, you are still considered “in possession” of that substance. 

Are drug possession laws the same all over the US? 

Yes and no. The DEA determines how “serious” an illegal substance is throughout the US. The Controlled Substances Act outlines 5 Schedules (essentially levels of seriousness), with Schedule 1 being the most serious or harmful, such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and decreasing in the likelihood of dependency to Schedule 5. These schedules define the severity of the punishment. 

However, Missouri decides what punishment will be given for possession of each type of drug. With the exception of marijuana, most drug possession charges are felonies. Felony charges come with serious legal ramifications, fines, prison time, and sends shockwaves through other areas of your life, so it’s vital you find a drug possession lawyer as soon as possible. 

If you’re facing federal drug charges, like federal drug trafficking or distribution, then it’s even more important you find a good St. Louis drug possession attorney who knows federal drug laws. Federal drug laws typically have more severe penalties, so if the federal government is trying to put you behind bars you need to get a St. Louis criminal lawyer right away.

Are the punishments for marijuana possession different? 

In most cases, yes. In Missouri, most drug possession cases will result in a felony charge, but the laws surrounding marijuana have softened and if you possess 35 grams or less, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. If you would like to learn more about marijuana laws in Missouri, you can read our guide here.

Is there any way to avoid jail time? 

Your ability to avoid jail time for your drug possession charge will depend on the severity of your charge, the circumstances in which you were charged, the skill of your attorney, and primarily, whether or not you are willing to get help for your addiction. Prosecutors and judges may choose to be sympathetic if you are willing to get help for your addiction and if the quantity you had in your possession was minimal. To find out more about these programs you can read our guide on drug possession laws in Missouri.

What should I look for in a drug possession lawyer?  

When you look for a drug possession lawyer you should ensure they: 

  • Have experience in the location you were charged 
  • Have experience with cases like yours 
  • Will aggressively defend you and the life you’ve built 
  • Offers a free consultation
  • Won’t make you feel like a number on a list 
  • Make you feel reassured and at ease 
  • Has numerous testimonials and good reviews 

Chris Combs is one of the top St. Louis drug possession lawyers and has experience with a wide range of drug possession charges. If you want to find out more about what we can do for you click here or contact us directly today and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible – most inquiries receive a reply in less than two hours, so it will be no time at all until you can relax knowing you have the best on your case. 

Looking To Hire Domestic Violence Attorney in St. Louis, M0?

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Introduction

Being accused or charged with domestic violence offenses is an incredibly stressful experience and one you shouldn’t go through alone. A domestic violence charge is a serious accusation and can completely derail your life if you don’t do everything you can to prevent it. The best way to do this is to choose a domestic violence lawyer you can trust to fight the charges with you. 

In recent years domestic violence cases garnered substantial media attention which resulted in stricter laws and harsher punishments all across the United States, including here in Missouri. 

What constitutes domestic violence? 

Domestic violence, also often referred to as “adult abuse” in Missouri, includes: 

  • Spousal abuse 
  • Domestic dispute 
  • Battery 
  • Any physical harm you cause toward someone who lives under your roof 
  • Any physical harm you cause toward someone in your family or household through your negligence 
  • Purposely isolating someone 

It differs from a normal assault charge because there is an established relationship between those involved, and the repercussions of domestic abuse are more serious than their assault charge equivalents. 

This relationship is typically between two people who are, or who once were, in a romantic relationship, but can also include any family member by blood or marriage, and anyone the offender currently lives with or who lived with in the past. 

If you want to know more, read our Complete Guide to Missouri Domestic Violence Laws.

What are the possible punishments for a domestic violence charge in Missouri? 

There are four degrees of domestic assault charges; the fourth degree was only added in 2017 to ensure all victims could seek prosecution for any level of physical or isolating abuse. 

1st Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to kill or knowingly cause (or attempt to cause) serious physical injury. 1st-degree domestic assault is a Class B felony unless there are exceptional circumstances (like a second offense), in which case it becomes a Class A felony. A class B felony comes with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while a Class A maximum term is a life term. 

2nd Degree domestic assault includes any attempt to cause (or knowingly cause) serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. 2nd-degree domestic assault is a Class C felony. The maximum sentence for a class C felony is 7 years in prison. 

3rd Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to cause (or knowingly cause) physical injury, puts the victim in harm’s way through negligent behavior. It also covers any other physical assault to a household member, or knowingly isolating the victim. 3rd-degree domestic assault is a Class E felony. 

4th Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to cause (or negligently cause) physical injury, pain, or illness to the victim. 4th degree is a Class A misdemeanor. A class A misdemeanor has a maximum sentence of 1-year imprisonment. 

Other possible punishments: 

  • Judges also have the ability to order someone to stop abusing, harassing, or stalking a victim through a temporary measure or full order. They have the right to refuse bond or to set bond extremely high if they believe the accused poses a risk to the victim or community. 
  • In most cases, if you are convicted of a domestic violence crime you will lose your right to own firearms. 
  • In Missouri, anyone convicted of domestic assault may be required to pay restitution to the victim, which involves paying for any costs that resulted from the crime, such as medical bills, repairs, and counseling. 

You should also be aware that if you have children you may need to fight to retain custody of those children throughout your case. 

What to Do If You Are Charged 

If you are concerned that you may be the subject of a domestic violence charge, or if you have been arrested, it’s important for you to contact a St. Louis domestic violence attorney soon as possible. All our clients have the personal attention of Chris Combs from day one. You won’t be a number on a list – he will always be there when you need him. 

Can I do anything to minimize the consequences of my charge? 

Of course, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side is the best way to minimize the consequences of your charge, and maybe your only option depending on the judge presiding over your case. 

Judges often get involved in domestic violence cases to work with families and mend broken relationships, wherever possible. The judge and prosecutor in your case often like to see the defendant take steps to tackle the underlying cause of the event through counseling or another suitable treatment. This is often a wise path to take as it can help you avoid some of the consequences of a domestic violence charge. 

Find a Compassionate Missouri Domestic Violence Attorney 

If you are facing domestic violence charges in St. Louis, you need to find a compassionate and competent domestic violence attorney as soon as possible. Chris Combs has ensured successful outcomes for many of his domestic violence clients in the past and can do the same for you, too. 

Click here to find out more about how we represent domestic violence cases. Alternatively, call us today at 314-451-2711 or send us an email to arrange your free consultation. We aim to get back to every inquiry in less than two hours. 

Recently Arrested For A DWI?

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Introduction

We’re launching a new series of blog articles that focus on the different types of cases we specialize in at Combs Law Group.  The hope is to drive more context around why we are the right choice for you if/when you have a run-in with the law. These articles hope to provide you with some insights into a particular area of criminal defense law and when possible we will discuss some of our recent case files.  These are meant to deliver you a more in-depth look at your particular charges and what you can expect as you move forward with your criminal defense. We hope to cover a variety of crimes from serious felonies to simple traffic tickets. Let us know if you have any suggestions on topics as we continue to share our viewpoints and knowledge about criminal defense law. 

We are going to start with one of the most common criminal charges we handle with our clients – DWIs.  

DWI Laws Missouri

With the exception of speeding tickets, DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrests are some of the most common cases any St. Louis criminal defense attorney handles. Every year hundreds of thousands of people drive while intoxicated, and every year thousands of people get caught and charged with either DWI or DUI.  The first DWI laws were passed over a hundred years ago, but up until the early 1980s drinking and driving was still considered a “minor” offense. But over the past 30 years, the DWI laws across the country and in Missouri have become much more stringent, and as a society, we view DWI’s much more seriously. Most of this has been driven by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who have worked diligently to reduce the number of DWI related deaths over the years. In 2018 Missouri enacted several new DWI laws that cracked down on DWI offenders even more.  Unfortunately, as these laws have been put in place many people have been caught in the crosshairs. You don’t have to look hard to find someone who has been arrested for drinking and driving. If it’s not you, it’s probably a family member or a friend.  

Unfortunately getting a DWI is real and when you get one you have to face both criminal action and administrative action by the state. The criminal side deals with the state laws you broke, while the administrative side deals with your license.  Let’s take a look at the implications on both sides of the DWI defense.

The Administrative Process

Driving is a privilege in Missouri and the state has the right to take that privilege away if rack up enough points on your license.  Getting a DWI conviction is a sure fast way to see that happen. Under the law the state has the right to take away your driver’s license under the following conditions:

  • A first-time conviction results in a 90-day suspension and you might be eligible for a restricted drivers’ license.
  • A second-time conviction results in a one-year suspension and if that second conviction is within 5 years of the previous one then you could receive a five-year license ban.
  • If you are convicted of DWI three or more times you will receive a ten-year ban.

When you are arrested for DWI the arresting officer is obligated to do the following:

  1. Sends an Alcohol Influence Report form (AIR) to the DOR
  2. Sends  a Missouri Uniform Complaint and Summons, or warrant, if applicable to the DOR
  3. A Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Driving Privilege (Form 2385) and a request for a temporary 15-Day Driving Permit (this will only be issued if your driver’s license is taken).
  4. Your Missouri Driver License, if secured.

When the DOR receives this information they will send you the “Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Driving Privilege (Form 2385).  You have fifteen days from that notice to request a hearing.  This is crucial and you should act quickly so that you don’t pass up the opportunity to get a hearing.  Getting an attorney involved at this stage could mean the difference of you taking the bus for the next three months or having the use of your car.

Suspension vs Revocation

Under Missouri law, if you are a first-time offender you are probably eligible for the ninety-day suspension, while those with a suspension or revocation within the past five years will face a one-year revocation.  The big difference between the revocation and suspension is that you may be eligible for a restricted driving privilege under a suspension. That’s typically not available to those under a revocation.  

To Blow or Not Blow?

The ongoing debate to blow or not to blow has been around since the police started using breathalyzers.  Criminal defense lawyers have differing opinions as to whether you should blow or not blow. The fact is that it really depends on your circumstances.  The law is pretty clear – if you refuse to blow you will lose your license automatically for one year. All the same procedural rules apply, so if you do decide to refuse you will be given fifteen days to file a request for a hearing.  It’s true that if you don’t blow the state then doesn’t have a strong case on the criminal side. However, it can be difficult to overturn a one-year revocation because of refusal.

The Criminal Process

When you’re arrested for a DWI you’re typically taken to jail and held until you sober up which is usually eight to ten hours. Upon your release you will be given copies of your tickets and told to show up in court on the date on the tickets.  Depending on the municipality of arrest that date is likely three to five months away. Naturally, you think well I don’t have to worry about it right now. Wrong! As we’ve just stated you have to act quickly right after your arrest to protect your license.  Even though the criminal proceedings can take months (sometimes years), you should get an attorney right away. 

The criminal process for a DWI is highly dependent on your criminal and driving history.  First time DWI offenders are usually facing a misdemeanor B if convicted which can result in six months in jail and a $500 fine.  Most DWI cases don’t go to trial however, and end up with a plea deal where they keep the DWI conviction of their record with an SIS, or sentence in suspension.  This requires that the defendant go on probation for a specific period of time and if they complete it successfully the conviction is dropped.  

Second, third, a multiple offender DWI cases are more complex.  The state in recent years has clamped down hard on DWI offenders, especially repeat offenders.  It’s not uncommon for defendants with three or more DWI arrests or convictions to be facing prison time for a DWI.  Even if those previous DWI’s were over five years ago, the state laws now consider those into the equation when evaluating a defendant.  

When you bring a DWI case to Combs Law Group we fight the battle on both fronts.  We work to protect your license by representing you in your administrative hearing, and we can file petitions with the court for your restricted driving privileges.  On the criminal side, our defensive strategy is dependent upon your specific case circumstances. If you are multiple offenders our goal is to make sure you avoid jail or prison time and any felony convictions on your record.  If you’re a first time offender we work to make sure that you get the best probation terms possible. 

We’ve defended hundreds of DWI cases all around the St. Louis area in many if not all the municipalities.  Knowing the people and the processes that govern those municipal courts is what makes us the best choice for those who are facing a DWI in any of the St. Louis County municipal courts.  We can get you the outcomes possible so just give us a call today.

Looking to hire the “best criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis”?

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Introduction

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime the first thing you do is consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer.  If you can afford it, it’s probably a good decision to hire a criminal defense lawyer. But if you have to go with the public defender option just know that you’re taking a chance and although it seems like the least costly option, it can cost you big time in the long run.  Check out this recent article “Why hiring a public defender is a bad idea (most of the time)” to learn more. However, for those who understand the value of hiring a private attorney, the process of choosing your attorney can be a difficult one. Most people want to hire the “best” criminal lawyer” they can find at a reasonable cost. But what constitutes the “best” when it comes to criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis? Let’s take a look at the factors that come into play when evaluating the best lawyer for your particular legal problem.

Experience, Knowledge, & Creativity

Like most professions, criminal defense lawyers get better over the course of their careers.  A criminal defense lawyer who has just graduated law school is probably not going to be your best choice if you’re facing a murder charge. But at the same time, you probably don’t want to hire a criminal lawyer who is in the last few years of his career.  Ideally, you want a young, energetic, but experienced lawyer. 

Criminal defense law is a mixture of knowing the law and knowing how to apply the law under specific circumstances.  The good St. Louis lawyers have a wealth of knowledge about the law and HOW to apply it, while the best lawyers in St. Louis know all the loopholes in the law and know WHEN to apply them.  The law itself is something that is always up for new interpretations, and the best criminal lawyers in St. Louis can create new interpretations that are beneficial to their cases.  

A good question to ask any criminal defense lawyer during the interview phase is whether they think there are any loopholes within the law that would be relevant in your case.  This could be a process loophole where the police forget to calibrate the breathalyzer in a DWI case, or it could simply be an illegal search and seizure in a drug possession case.  Either way, the best lawyers will find these loopholes and take full advantage of them under the law.

Character, Attitude, & Personality

You have to be a particular type of person to want to practice criminal defense law.  It’s not something that every lawyer who comes of law school is equipped to do. If you have ever watched “Better Call Saul” you might think that all criminal defense lawyers are a little shady, and there is probably some truth to that in some areas of criminal defense law.  However, most if not all criminal defense lawyers are big defenders of “due process” and the right to a fair trial. That’s what makes our judicial system unique and criminal defense lawyers have a critical part to play in our system. The best criminal defense lawyers are the ones that get into criminal defense law for this reason.  They want to defend the defenseless, and although it’s not easy defending someone who committed a terrible crime, under our judicial system, someone has to step up and do it.  

But that’s not all you should look for when evaluating your “best” criminal defense lawyer.  You want to find someone who is confident with themselves but doesn’t have a major ego. This can be tough to find in the criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis.  You want a lawyer who is assertive, and not aggressive. Aggressive lawyers tend to shoot themselves in the foot with their clients, the jury, and with the prosecuting attorney.  An assertive attorney knows what he wants and knows how to communicate that to either the prosecutor or the jury he is trying to sway. The “best” attorneys are usually likable and positive in a natural way, and that can be their most effective tool when defending your case.

Winning Is Important 

Most criminal defense attorneys want to win every case, but that’s just not going to happen.  Over time they will win some and they lose some. After an attorney has been in his profession for a while he can become indifferent about the win or the loss in a case. However, the best attorneys are always wanting to win.  They have that competitive mentality and they don’t necessarily want to win for you, but winning is important overall. The best lawyers have this mentality and they will go the extra mile on your case because they want to win, not because you paid them an extra $10,000 or because they like you.  

When looking for a lawyer, evaluate his or her previous client reviews or testimonials.  The best lawyers have the best reputations. So try to find a lawyer who is still trying to be the “best” or maintain his reputation as the “best” and he will likely go that extra mile to get you the “best” outcomes in your case.

Building Personal Relationships With Clients

The last factor that you should look for when evaluating your “best” criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis is how much personal attention the lawyer gives to you as a client.  Choosing a criminal lawyer is an important decision if you’re facing some serious crimes. You’re putting your future and in some cases your freedom in the hands of another individual.  Invariably, you are trusting your lawyer with a lot, and you want to be able to be completely honest with him or her. This is not like hiring a mechanic to fix your car. You want to be able to create a quasi business-personal relationship with your criminal defense lawyer.  The best lawyers know how to bond with their clients while maintaining their moral and ethical codes. Defending yourself in a criminal case can become an emotional ordeal, so having a lawyer who can be attentive to your emotional needs will be important. The best criminal defense lawyers will help you as you go on the emotional roller coaster during your case.

Conclusion

If you do a Google search for  “Best Criminal Defense Lawyers In St. Louis” you will find all these websites that list the “Top 10 Best Criminal Lawyers In St. Louis” or the “Top 5 Criminal Lawyers In St. Louis”.  Unfortunately, these ranking sites don’t really know if those lawyers are the “best” criminal lawyers for your needs. Only you can decide who is the “best” lawyer for your particular needs.  At Combs Law Group we like to think that we are the “best”, but so does every other St. Louis criminal law firm. What we do know for sure is that if you value character, attitude, and personality, and you want a lawyer who values winning while providing you close personal attention, we are the law firm for you. We urge you to read through our long list of reviews from previous clients to see what makes us stand apart from other law firms in the St. Louis area.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

  • Best lawyer in St.louis hands down. You want a great lawyer for a great price think Combs

    Darrius Randle Avatar
    Darrius Randle
    2/13/2020

  • They were very welcoming, professional and prompt on my visit. You can tell they really care!

    Anthony Little Avatar
    Anthony Little
    12/12/2019

  • Chris is the best lawyer in st louis. I was arrested in st louis city for a felony and he got my charges dropped! he'll be the only lawyer i ever call. thanks Chris!

    Jon Baker Avatar
    Jon Baker
    11/04/2019

  • Mr. Combs was incredible to work with. He was so polite and respectable and got my son's case completely dismissed! I'll be calling him if I ever need anything else!

    Agnes Goldstein Avatar
    Agnes Goldstein
    10/22/2019

  • Chris is an amazing attorney! He’s helped me with a personal injury case, traffic ticket and a few other things for people close to me and he’s done an amazing job with all of tue cases! I recommend him for just about anything! And if he can’t personally help you he knows someone who can!!

    Corey Evenson Avatar
    Corey Evenson
    10/17/2019

  • I had never had legal problems before in my life. I was scared out of my mind. Mr. Combs of Combs Law Group assured me everything would be okay. I still was worried but he was able to comfort me and in the end he got all my charges dismissed!

    Jon Baker Avatar
    Jon Baker
    10/08/2019

  • Chris is a great attorney! He hooked me up with a great price and we ended up securing a great deal! Call him for any and all of your legal issues. You'll be in great hands!

    Kiefer Tammelin Avatar
    Kiefer Tammelin
    10/08/2019

  • This was my first time dealing with a court case (Restraining Order filed against me) and this was definitely the Law Firm to go with. Christopher Combs sat down and discussed with me the details and reassured me that he will do everything he can to get the case dismissed. He worked with Steve Waterkotte, who was very professional and reassuring as well. Obviously the outcome went exactly as they predicted and I couldn't be happier to pick Combs Law Group. Would strongly recommend to friends and family and will for sure be using his services again if ever needed.

    Andriy Palchak Avatar
    Andriy Palchak
    9/04/2019

  • Mr. Combs was professional and attentive. I received prompt updates on the status of my case. Mr. Combs was able to get me cleared of all charges for a nominal fee and only one appearance. I will definitely recommend him to my friends.

    AJ Benga Avatar
    AJ Benga
    6/12/2019

  • Chris Combs is an excellent lawyer. He has great and consistent communication with his clients and he makes sure that he can give them the best possible outcome for their individual situations. Chris also shows compassion and integrity as he works in detail on ones case. I would recommend Attorney Chris Combs to anyone who needs a lawyer who is honest, punctual, and full of criminal justice knowledge.

    Victoria Nabual Avatar
    Victoria Nabual
    5/19/2019

  • Mr. Combs was very fair, competitively priced, listened to all of our concerns and delivered us the best outcome we could hope for!! I am grateful for his service! He did everything he said he would and kept me informed every step of the way. Thanks Chris.

    My Fair Lady Avatar
    My Fair Lady
    4/27/2019

  • Recently, I called on Chris and he got me the best possible outcome. Chris has always had my best interests at heart. I’ve called on him in the past and would do so in the future. No hesitation, Chris is my go to guy.

    Sunil Solanki Avatar
    Sunil Solanki
    4/24/2019

  • Chris is AMAZING!!!! He is very reasonable and worked with me on payment! He saved me from a very grim situation and had it reduced to littering! Chris is very easy to get a hold of and responds very quickly if he doesn’t answer the phone directly! He is a miracle worker and I highly recommend him for all your legal needs!

    Lisa Buehler Avatar
    Lisa Buehler
    4/19/2019

  • Chris was very professional and very responsive. Our outcome was better than we could have expected. I would recommend Chris and would use his services again if necessary.

    Ann VanderKraats Avatar
    Ann VanderKraats
    2/11/2019

  • I cannot stress the importance of this 5-star review. I was an out-of-state client of Chris’ and he went above and beyond for my case. Chris Combs, along his assistant, Steve Waterkotte, were excellent in handling my case with extreme care, timeliness, and precision. The outcome of the case exceeded my expectations.

    Chris Combs and his firm stood beside me 150% and I felt in good hands throughout the whole process. Before consulting with Chris, I chose to call him based on the reviews I read; now I understand why there are nothing but 5-star reviews for his firm and I am glad to be a contributor to that statistic... it is the least I could do for what Chris and his firm did for me.

    yev_atl Avatar
    yev_atl
    1/16/2019
8820 Ladue Rd STE 201,
St. Louis 63124
Phone: 314-451-2711
Secondary phone: (314) 578-1465
Email: contact@combslawstl.com

Areas Served

We proudly represent clients throughout the St. Louis Metro area including the following municipalities and counties: Affton, Florissant, Chesterfield, University City, Oakville, Wildwood, Ballwin, Mehlville, Kirkwood, Hazelwood, Maryland Heights, Webster Groves, Ferguson, Spanish Lake, Manchester, Lemay, Overlan, Concord, Creve Coeur, Clayton, Bridgton, Jennings, St. Ann, Crestwood, Bellenfontaine, Town and Country, Berkley, Richmond Heights, Maplewood, Ellisville, Ladue, Des Peres, Sunset Hills, Brentwood, Eureka, Olivette, Sappington, St. John, Black Jac, Shrewsbury, St. Charles County, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Lincoln County, and Warren County, Ste. Genevieve County

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