• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Combs Law Group

Combs Law Group

  • Home
  • Criminal Defense
    • Areas We Serve
    • Drug Possession
      • Federal Drug Charges
        • Federal Drug Conspiracy Lawyer
      • Marijuana Crimes
      • Heroin Drug Charges
      • Cocaine Possession
      • Drug Manufacturing
      • Drug Trafficking
      • Drug Distribution Crimes
      • Meth Crimes
      • Prescription Drug Crimes
      • Drug Paraphernalia
    • Theft Crimes
      • Shoplifting
      • Burglary
      • Motor Vehicle Tampering
      • Receiving Stolen Property
      • Credit Card Fraud
      • Robbery
    • Traffic Tickets
      • Leaving The Scene
    • Felonies
      • Class A Felony
      • Class B Felony
      • Class C Felony
      • Class D Felony
    • Misdemeanors
      • Class A Misdemeanors
      • Class B Misdemeanor In Missouri
      • Class C Misdemeanors
      • Class D Misdemeanors
      • Unclassified
    • Violent Crimes
      • Weapons Offense
        • Federal Gun Crimes
        • Federal Gun Crimes Statutes
        • Domestic Violence Gun Charges Lawyer
        • Unlawful Use Weapon
      • Domestic Violence
      • Assault Crimes
      • Disorderly Conduct
      • Sex Crimes
        • Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer St. Louis
      • Battery Crimes
      • Involuntary Manslaughter
      • St. Louis Harassment Lawyer
      • St. Louis Stalking Charges Lawyer
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Juvenile Crimes
    • Felony Expungements
    • Probation Violations
  • DWI/DUI
    • Areas Served
      • St. Louis County DWI
      • St. Charles County DWI
      • Jefferson County DWI
      • Franklin County DWI
      • Ste. Genevieve County DWI
      • Saint Francois County DWI
      • Maryland Heights DWI
      • Town And Country DWI
      • Chesterfield DWI
    • DWI First Offense
    • DWI Second Offense
    • DWI Accidents
    • DWI Marijuana Lawyer
    • Felony DWI
    • DWI With Drugs
    • Hit & Run DWI
    • DUI Lawyer
    • CDL DWI Lawyer
  • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
      • DWI Accidents
      • Fatal Car Accidents
      • Small Truck Accidents
      • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Personal Injury Types
      • Broken Bones From Accidents
      • Accident Related Spinal Cord Injuries
      • Accident Related Head Injuries
      • Accident Related Neck Injuries
    • Truck Accidents
      • 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
    • Slip & Fall Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Moped | Scooter Accident
    • Wrongful Death
    • Bus Accidents
    • Bike Accidents
    • Product Liability
  • Reviews
  • Case Results
  • About Us
    • Christopher Combs
    • Contact Us
    • Office Locations
  • Blog
  • Call Us – 314-578-1465

hire a lawyer

Why Hiring a Public Defender Can Cost You Your Case.

combschris1 · October 14, 2020 ·

Introduction

If you or a loved one has recently been charged with a crime that may take you to the courtroom, you are likely scared and anxious to find someone to represent your case. If you are wondering whether to choose a Public Defender or private criminal defense lawyer to defend you, you’re in the right place. 

What representation you choose for your defense is the most important decision you are going to make and can be the difference between you walking away with your freedom or suffering a huge fine or significant jail time. It’s time to choose someone to fight in your corner to ensure that doesn’t happen. 

This article outlines everything you need to know to make your decision. Before we start weighing the pros and cons, let’s take a moment to check we are all on the same page about what Public Defenders in Missouri actually do. 

The Public Defender System in Missouri 

In Missouri, the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) provides legal representation to all accused citizens, as per the constitutional requirement. Any citizen accused or convicted of crimes in Missouri at the level of the State Trial Court, Appellate Court, Missouri Supreme Court, or US States Supreme Court has the right to a Public Defender. 

The MSPD “attempts to provide every client with a high-quality, competent, ardent defense team at every stage of the process”. However, since the MSPD expanded statewide in 1989, they have undergone over ten independent evaluations which warned state officials that the MSPD was making constitutional violations. 

These warnings were ignored until the right to counsel became a constitutional crisis in Missouri. The MSPD is notoriously understaffed, overworked, and underfunded. MSPD is one of the least funded public defender systems in the whole of the US. 

Myths and Misconceptions about Public Defenders 

There are many misconceptions about Public Defenders what they do, and what they are able to offer. Here are some truths you need to be aware of:  

  • Public Defenders aren’t free – they will seek repayment for the costs incurred while representing you, in most cases. They won’t require payment upfront, but you will have to pay their fees. 
  • Public Defenders care – when they can. Yes, they get paid either way, but they are often so overloaded with cases that the first time they meet you is in the courtroom. Without that personal connection, it may feel as though they don’t care about the outcome. 
  • Many Public Defenders are good at what they do – given the limited resources they have. They have completed the same qualifications as private attorneys and are likely getting experience until they can move on to private practice. 
  • Public Defenders aren’t out to get you – they don’t have a secret agenda and they aren’t conspiring with the state to make sure you get a terrible sentence. They will do their best for you with what they have. 

How to Qualify for Public Defender Assistance 

If you need Public Defender representation, one isn’t automatically assigned to your case if you don’t find a criminal lawyer of your own (in that case, you will have a court-appointed attorney). To acquire public representation, you need to complete a written application at your local MSPD office serving the county in which your charges are pending. You can find links to the application and a list of offices here.

You should be aware that the Public Defender won’t represent all cases. The cases it absolutely will not handle, are: 

  • Civil cases involving money damages 
  • Landlord-tenant cases 
  • Immigration and deportation cases 
  • Divorces 
  • Child custody cases 
  • Municipal court cases 

Are Public Defenders Overworked in Missouri? 

In short, yes. There are approximately 112,000 cases for the MSPD to handle at any one time and only 370 lawyers. That means each lawyer is juggling around three hundred cases at any one time. 

As you will have read in the first section, the MSPD is one of the least funded public defender offices in the whole of the states. They simply don’t have the funding to acquire the resources necessary to offer their clients a good quality of representation. 

The American Bar Association (those that set the notorious Bar examination for attorneys) has a minimum requirement for how long lawyers should spend on each case to ensure their clients have adequate and ethical representation, but only 3% of cases in Missouri represented by Missouri public defenders meet this requirement for the constitutional requirement. In other words, 97% of clients are getting unlawful representation.

Missouri public defenders rarely get to meet with their clients before the trial, meaning both the client and the public defender walks into the courtroom completely unprepared to defend their case. They don’t have a chance to discuss the circumstances from the client’s point of view, witnesses, evidence, any plea negotiations that could have taken place before the trial, or a strategy for in the room – all things they should have a right to and any private attorney will offer. 

Pros and Cons |Public vs Private Attorneys 

Public vs Private Success Statistics 

In a study by the University of Dayton, it was found that there is no significant relationship between having a Public Defender represent you and the outcome of your trial. However, if you have your counsel appointed for you, you are 14% more likely to be convicted than if you have private counsel, with public defenders falling in between the two. 

Public vs Private Costs 

The pro most people know about public defenders is that they are the cheaper option – but it’s important to remember they are not free. If they accept your application, they will let you know how much their representation will cost and how you can repay them. They will come up with this figure by looking at a chart called the Fee Schedule, which you can see here. The fees are relatively minimal, starting at $125 for misdemeanors and probation violations, and go up to $1,500 for a capital murder case. 

A con of choosing private representation is that, obviously, it’s going to cost you significantly more. However, it’s likely not as expensive as you may imagine to hire a good attorney for a small and straightforward case. The national average for private representation ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the case and experience of the lawyer. If you are someone who has a number of charges or convictions and you are facing prison time your fees will be higher due to the complexity of the case, but its’ also important to remember what those fees are going to get you. They are likely the difference between your freedom and having your liberty stripped from you. When it comes to criminal representation, you really do get what you pay for. 

Public vs Private Workload 

A major con of choosing a Public Defender over a private attorney of your choosing is their workload. As already, discussed, Public Defenders have a huge number of cases to manage, and they simply don’t have the time to give you the personal attention and reassurances you need. 

Private attorneys work for you. When you choose a private criminal defense lawyer, you have the chance to meet with them before they represent you and ask them as many questions as you need to know whether or not they are the right attorney for you. 

When Does It Make Sense to Use a Public Defender? 

If you are on a very limited budget, it is your first offense, it is a minor crime, and you are certain of the outcome already and don’t wish to fight it, then a Public Defender may be the right option for you. 

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use a Public Defender?  

In any other situation from (and including) the one above. If you can find a way to afford a private attorney, it really is the best solution. They will be your advocate throughout your case and will fight for your freedom. If a private lawyer is known to lose a lot of cases, they simply won’t have clients. The success of their business relies on the success of their cases and the happy words of past clients. Many private criminal defense lawyers offer their clients 24/7 access so should something change in their case, they’ll be there to defend you at any time of night or day. 

Don’t Risk It 

If you can find the money to afford a private attorney, you should. It simply isn’t worth the risk of choosing a Public Defender over finding a public criminal defense attorney who you click with and who will be your advocate every step of the way. While all public defenders have the best of intentions, they are overworked human beings. Like all of us, when they are tired their quality of work starts to suffer, and you don’t want that work to be your future. 

Don’t leave whether or not you walk away from your case with your freedom to chance. If you’re looking for a private criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis and surrounding areas, who will prioritize your case and has hundreds of successful cases and happy clients behind them, Combs Law Group may be the perfect fit. 

We offer completely free consultations to talk you through your case and our process, and we get back to most initial inquiries within just two hours, so if you’re feeling anxious and need someone to talk to as soon as possible, take a deep breath and click here to contact us now.

Top 10 Qualifications For A Criminal Defense Lawyer

combschris1 · August 6, 2019 ·

Introduction

If you’ve been arrested you need the very best criminal defense lawyer for your case to ensure you get the best outcome. It’s tempting to rush into working with whichever lawyer is available and willing to take on your case, so you can feel at ease knowing someone is working to protect you. 

However, if you want to get the experienced counsel you’re looking for you should take the time to be selective and ensure you get a criminal defense lawyer you are comfortable with so you can get the very best outcome. 

Here are 10 tips to help you choose the best lawyer for you and your case: 

1.) Choose a Local Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested you need the very best criminal defense lawyer for your case to ensure you get the best outcome. It’s tempting to rush into working with whichever lawyer is available and willing to take on your case, so you can feel at ease knowing someone is working to protect you. 

However, if you want to get the experienced counsel you’re looking for you should take the time to be selective and ensure you get a criminal defense lawyer you are comfortable with so you can get the very best outcome. 

Here are 10 tips to help you choose the best lawyer for you and your case: 

Chris Combs and the Combs Law Group have an outstanding reputation in the St. Louis legal community and Chris has worked hundreds of criminal defense cases all across the St. Louis area. He was born and bred in St. Louis and has built his many relationships on his personable and professional manner, so is in the perfect position for taking on St. Louis criminal defense cases. 

The lawyer you choose must be licensed to practice in the state you’re being prosecuted in to represent you, but beyond the legalities, local lawyers have established relationships in the local criminal justice system. 

2.) Look for Experience and Specialization 

Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of criminal defense or have a lot of experience with cases just like yours. Wouldn’t you rather have an experienced lawyer than one who has never seen a case like yours? Of course, you would! So don’t just work with the first lawyer you find, look for a lawyer who can show you successful past cases in the area you are looking for. 

Experienced lawyers will be able to anticipate what questions are likely to come up in the courtroom and any moves the persecutors may make against you. They will also have an in-depth knowledge of the state’s criminal statutes and will help you with a well thought out strategy. 

At Combs Law Group, we have an impressive track record of successful cases and have built up a great reputation in the St. Louis Metro area and have extensive knowledge of Missouri criminal statutes. Any lawyer you consider should be able to say the same. 

3.) Meet with Them In-Person

You will feel most comfortable with a criminal defense lawyer who you click with. While you don’t necessarily need to feel like you’d like to head to the bar for a drink with them, being able to feel comfortable with them and knowing that you understand each other easily will make your experience much less stressful. If you meet with a lawyer who you don’t connect with, don’t be afraid to look for someone else. 

It often feels like if you don’t find a lawyer to protect you in the next few days your world will fall apart, but in most cases, you can take the time to find a lawyer you can see yourself working with for months or years until your case concludes. 

We offer all our clients a free consultation to meet face to face to see if we are the right fit for one another. 

4.) Choose a Law Firm Where You’ll Be Prioritized 

Some lawyers at large law firms have a large caseload and may struggle to prioritize you. Before you choose a lawyer, ensure that you’ll be able to contact your criminal defense lawyer whenever you can. 

All our clients have access to their lawyer 24/7, so should there be a sudden development in their case they can stay calm knowing their lawyer will be hot on their case in the very best way. 

5.) Look at Testimonials and Reviews 

When you have a list of potential criminal defense lawyers, read their testimonials and reviews. These testimonials and reviews will provide you with more information with how the lawyer works with their clients, what their past clients did and didn’t enjoy about working with them, and you may find endorsements that help you know whether a lawyer is or isn’t for you even before you meet them. 

Our outstanding reputation as a St. Louis criminal defense attorney is well reflected in our reviews – in fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another with such good reviews (and we aren’t afraid to share our successes)! Our dedication to superior client satisfaction – and a long list of successful cases – has helped us amass more testimonials than we can count, and we’re grateful for all of our great clients. If you’d like to read our reviews, you can see our client feedback here.  

6.) Ask Them About the Possible Outcomes 

Any criminal defense lawyer you speak to should be willing and able to talk to you about the possible outcomes of your case. While you want them to be confident about your case, be very wary of any lawyer who says they can guarantee you a win. 

The lawyers you speak to should be able to talk from experience about the realistic best- and worst-case scenarios and may have case studies and proof to show you. When you ask them about previous cases they’ve handled like yours, they should be at ease and happy to talk you through their cases. If they seem nervous or brisk, they may be trying to pull the wool over your eyes and likely won’t be able to help you at all in court. 

7.) They Should Offer a Free Consultation 

If a potential lawyer wants to charge you for your first meeting, steer clear. You want to find a criminal defense lawyer or firm who champions their clients and is ready to stand in their corner and fight for their liberty, career, and family life. If they aren’t willing to meet with you for your first consultation for free, they don’t have your best interests at heart, and it shows that they may not be committed fully to your case. 

We offer a free consultation for all of our clients to discuss their case, possible outcomes, and take the time to answer any and all questions they may have. 

8.) Discuss the Fees and Expenses

There are a huge number of benefits to paying for a private attorney, but you need to establish if the lawyers you are speaking to are within your budget. When you find someone you like, make sure you discuss potential fees as well as any fines you may have to pay as part of your punishment. 

You should also discuss the payment schedule and any flexibility. Some lawyers require 50% of their fee upfront, while others will accept monthly payments, and others a mixture of the two. Don’t be afraid to bring up the subject of money during your first meeting. 

You’ll want to pay for the very best lawyer you can find, but if you stretch yourself too far financially and can’t cover the payments halfway through your case, your lawyer may be reluctant – or be unable – to see it through. Discuss finances frankly so you can move ahead confidently. 

9.) Ask Them About a Potential Strategy

Talk to potential lawyers about the strategy they may use in your case. Not every lawyer’s strategy will be right for you, and if you aren’t comfortable with their proposed strategy, there’s no sense moving forward. If you don’t understand why they are proposing their strategy, ask them to clarify the reasons behind it. It’s their job to make everything clear and understandable for you, so don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand at first. 

Ask potential lawyers if they believe there may be any chance of a plea deal so you can avoid going to trial. Going to trial is extremely stressful and you have to pay legal fees for the judge’s time. If there is any chance of a plea deal, discuss what this may entail and the punishment you may receive as a result of taking the deal.  

10.) Discuss How to Move Forward

When you find someone you feel is a good fit for you, ask them how long they believe your case will take, how you will be charged over that time (as many cases can take months or even years to reach conclusion), and how often you can expect to hear from them. 

Criminal defense lawyers manage several clients at once and your case may go for weeks or even months without progress as you wait for a response or a court date. Discuss how you’ll be kept in the loop and how often you can expect updates. 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, don’t hesitate to reach out to us about your case. All of our clients receive personal attention, and we are available 24 hours a day from the moment of your arrest to help you with your case. We have an incredibly strong success record and will work to get you the very best outcome. If you need someone to protect your liberty, livelihood, and family, get in touch as soon as possible.  

10 Things You Should Look For in a Criminal Defense Attorney

combschris1 · December 7, 2018 ·

When you’re in need of a criminal defense lawyer, something’s gone wrong, and you’re in a position where your liberty, employment and career, family and financial future is in jeopardy. You can’t afford to choose the wrong attorney – you need someone you can trust with your life.

That’s why it’s absolutely vital you find the right criminal defense lawyer for you, your case and your budget as soon as possible. When you set out to find yourself a criminal defense lawyer, you likely don’t know where to start, let alone manage the new stresses in your life. The sooner you find the right attorney for you, the better. Here are the top ten qualities your criminal defense lawyer must have, and if you’re in the St. Louis Metro area, be sure to find out more about how Chris Combs and Combs Law Group can help with your case.

Passion – you want a lawyer who is passionate about what they do for their clients, for their community, and law. Chris Combs has dedicated much of his life to learning everything he can about practicing law, spent his years studying law and the beginning of his career in St. Louis and was born and bred here, ensuring he is in the best position possible to advocate for his clients. The attorney you choose to represent you should display the same passion and dedication for what they do.

Next, ensure they specialize in the area of law for your case. You can choose a lawyer who is a jack-of-all-trades, however, your case will go more smoothly (and will be more successful) if you choose an attorney with years of experience with cases like yours. Combs Law Group has a range of specialties; including traffic offenses, drug possession charges, violent and theft-related crimes. Ask your potential attorney what they have the most experience in and what similar cases they’ve represented.

Experienced – everyone has to start somewhere but choosing a criminal lawyer with years of experience under his or her belt is going to offer you peace of mind and the best chance of success. Most great lawyers start at a larger firm before branching out on their own, so choose an attorney who is open about their background and has a history practicing in your local area or in the area of law you require.

Respected in the local community – No attorney who tries to tell you they can get you off because they’re friends with the judge or law enforcement is to be trusted, however, choosing a firm who is well established and has developed relationships in the local area through longevity and experience is going to help your case move more smoothly. Chris Combs has been practicing law in the St. Louis area for over five years and has developed long-standing relationships with the local police, judges, and prosecutors.

Personalized attention: will you be a priority? This is a vital question to have answered; you don’t want to be a name or number on a list or handed off to paralegals without your knowledge. You need your case to be taken seriously and feel reassured and supported, that’s why we offer all of our clients personalized attention, and you should ensure that your criminal defense attorney or firm does the same. For us, client satisfaction is paramount, and you should look for an attorney or firm who can do the same for you if you aren’t in the St. Louis area.

Relatable – you need your attorney to be a human you relate to, who knows how to speak plainly, and whom you believe has a similar moral compass. When you meet or speak to them for the first time, how do they speak and act toward you? Do they confuse you with jargon, speak down to you, or put you at ease immediately? Use your intuition and go with your gut. If someone makes you feel stupid or uncomfortable look somewhere else.

Around the clock support – If you’ve sought the help of a criminal defense attorney it’s clear you need someone in your corner, especially if there’s a sudden change in your circumstances or a development in your case. If you need your lawyer at midnight, you need them then, not at noon the next day when they are ready to hear from you. All our clients have 24/7 access to their attorney, so they are never left alone and can rest assured that should they need someone to fight for them, their attorney will be there as soon as possible.

They have happy and grateful past clients. You look up the reviews of a restaurant before you go and looking for a defense attorney should be no different. Any good attorney will have past clients championing them and the work they’ve done. These are the people you should listen to and who are going to give you the true pros and cons of working with that attorney or law firm. Combs Law Group has a phenomenal track record of happy customers, and only one Google review below 5 stars – and that’s a 4 star with no complaints! That’s the kind of professionalism and performance history you want in your corner. Never settle for a second-rate attorney; remember this is your future on the line.

Upfront and open about fees. You should maximize your budget for the best lawyers you can get. This is not an area to save money in your life, and you should absolutely get the most experienced and successful lawyer you can, however, ensure you are charged fairly. We offer free case evaluations and charge you by case complexity and an agreed upon legal strategy. Your chosen attorney should be open and upfront, and you should walk away from anyone who ‘guarantees’ to win your case. It violates code, and there’s a difference between confidence and truly believing they can win your case and guaranteeing you a win.

Finally, choose a winner. You don’t back sports teams on a losing streak, so don’t hire an attorney who doesn’t have a backlog of successful cases they can show you. Your lawyer should love to win, be an aggressive advocate for their clients, and have a list of successful cases like yours that they can show you. The knowledge that your attorney has won cases similar to yours will help you stay a little cooler should your case go to trial. Chris Combs and Combs Law Group has a long history of successful outcomes and results, so our clients can rest assured knowing they hired the best people for their defense who will aggressively advocate for them throughout their case.

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in St. Louis, with all the qualities listed above, contact Chris Combs and the Combs Law Group for a free consultation. We’ve restored the lives of hard-working people; from other lawyers to blue-collar workers. We cover the entire St. Louis Metro area and are dedicated to fighting for your future.

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

Disclaimer

The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. No formation of the attorney-client privilege is created by the use of this site. The choice of an attorney is an important one and should not be based solely on advertisements.
  • St. Louis DWI Lawyer
  • St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers
  • St. Louis Traffic Tickets Lawyer
  • St. Louis Drug Possession Lawyer
  • St. Louis Assault Charges Attorney
  • St. Louis Sex Crimes Lawyer
  • St. Louis Theft Lawyer
  • St. Louis Violent Crimes Lawyer
  • St. Louis Theft Lawyer
  • St. Charles Criminal Defense Attorney
  • St. Louis Heroin Drug Charges
  • St. Louis Drug Trafficking Attorney
  • St. Louis Meth Lawyer
  • St. Louis Drug Manufacturing Lawyer
  • St. Louis Assault Charges Attorney
  • St. Louis Juvenile Lawyer
  • St. Louis White Collar Crimes Lawyer
  • St. Louis Marijuana Possession Lawyer
  • St. Louis DWI Accident Lawyer
  • St. Louis DWI Second Offense
  • St. Louis Assault Charges Attorney
  • Federal Gun Charges Lawyer St. Louis
  • Bike Accident Injury Attorney

Combs Law Group