St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Combs Law Group Named Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis by Expertise.com

combschris1 · November 20, 2019 ·

Looking for the best criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis? Our clients’ results speak for themselves, but now you don’t just have to listen to us and our past clients – Combs Law Group were named as one of the 20 Best St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyers by Expertise.com.

Why Listen to Expertise.com?

Expertise.com is all about making it as easy as possible to find the best experts in your local area and understands the huge time-suck that researching the best experts in your area can be. To help make the process faster and easier, they are running local experts all over the US in a variety of industries through their selection process.

How Do Expertise.com Make Their Selection?

Once they have identified a location and an industry, they start using their own tools and resources to analyze the same information and data you can find online. Once they have a list of possible professionals, they verify license and contact information and ensure that the businesses they have listed for selection are in good standing in the community.

Next, they run each business through their in-house selection software that grades each business according to five factors. These five factors are:

Professionalism – selected businesses must be dedicated to providing a quality service
Experience – selected businesses must have been in the industry and area for a good length of time, and have the right education
Engagement – businesses must be accessible and easy to contact
Credibility – businesses must be established in the community
Reputation – selected businesses must be well known in the area for great results and have a history of vocal, happy customers.

The businesses that make it through this process and meet Expertise.com’s expectations are then examined and the best are hand-picked to be recommended by them. When they looked for the best criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis, they compared 92 potential businesses and we were picked as one of their 20 best criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis [link: www.expertise.com/mo/st-louis/criminal-attorney#CombsLawGroup], which they list in alphabetical order.

Why Did Expertise.com Choose Us?

If you’re in need of a great criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis but have only just started your research, this may be your first time hearing of us. We are a top criminal defense firm based here in St. Louis and work with our clients every day to secure the most positive outcomes for their cases.

We work with clients from all walks of life, from other professionals to juveniles, immigrants, college professors, businesses, non-profits, and anyone else who is in need of a strong defense to their criminal charges. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone has a right to aggressive and expert defense, and fight tirelessly for every client.

We are a full-service criminal defense law firm with strong roots in the community and a strong history of extremely happy clients. We are available to contact on the phone, through our online chat, or through our online form – we get back to all inquiries within two hours. Our successful list of cases and extremely happy customers combined with our strong reputation helped us show up centrally on Expertise.com’s radar.

How Do We Work?

We aim to reply to every inquiry in under two hours and offer every new client a free consultation to answer any and all questions you have and check we are a good fit. Once you’ve chosen us for your defense, we’ll get to work and be available whenever you need us throughout the weeks or months that it takes for your case to settle.

We will always aim to get you the very best outcome; many of our clients’ cases are dismissed or resolved outside of the criminal justice system altogether, but should your case go to trial, we will be there in your corner to fight the charges.

Who is Christopher Combs?

Christopher Combs is the Principle Attorney here and provides his expertise in all areas of criminal law. Born and bred here in St. Louis, he has built up a strong reputation for being a talented and formidable criminal defense attorney in the local community. Christopher knows how to fiercely defend his clients every step of the way, but is still incredibly personable, compassionate, and easy to talk to. Learn more about Christopher here.

Our Results

We are proud to have a long list of successful cases and satisfied past clients. We’re always happy to share the success of our cases, some of which include 2^nd Degree Murder (which after an extensive review of the evidence was reduced and our client did not have to go back to jail), Felony Possession of a Firearm (reduced to probation), Felony Hit and Run (we avoided felony conviction and jail time), as well as many DWI and drug charges. (Read more about our successful case results here.)

Don’t just take our word for it – see our 70 positive Google reviews from happy clients who have not only used our services and been extremely pleased with the outcome (many having the charges dismissed), but have happily recommended our services to their friends and family.

Need Us? We’re Here

If you’re in need of one of the best criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis, we’re here. Whether you have a traffic ticket you’d like to disappear, a personal injury claim, or a felony charge, we’re here for you. We aim to get back to all inquiries in just two hours, and it won’t be long before you have the very best on your side. We offer free consultations at our two office locations and cover most cities and municipalities in the St. Louis Metro area.

To book your free consultation, click here.

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

combschris1 · October 13, 2019 ·

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.

1^st 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.

2^nd 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.

3^rd 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.

4^th Degree domestic assault includes any attempts to cause (or negligently cause) physical injury, pain, or illness to the victim. 4^th 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.

Ultimate Guide To Missouri Arrest Warrants

combschris1 · February 27, 2019 ·

If you are concerned that you or someone you know or want to employ has a warrant, then you need to find out the truth quickly before things spiral out of control. No one is required to notify you of a warrant, so it’s up to you to act and get the information you need to make decisions that will help you get the best outcome. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about criminal arrest warrants, how to check if you or someone you know has a warrant in Missouri, and what you should do if you are the subject of an arrest warrant. If you’re concerned about a current warrant you have – call Combs Law Group at 314-578-1465 today and we can do a free warrant search for you to see if you have an active warrant for your arrest.

What is a Warrant?

An arrest warrant authorizes the arrest and detention (for 24 hours without formally issuing a charge) of someone by any law enforcement officer who comes across that person. A warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate and the agent or officer involved must attain a sworn affidavit showing probable cause exists that a specific crime was committed by the person(s) named in the warrant.

A warrant is often required for misdemeanors that do not occur within view of a police officer, though is usually not needed to arrest someone for a felony since this can mean that the person who committed the felony is a danger to others or a flight risk.

The warrant process goes like this:
Judge issues order > Court Records Unit creates the document > Warrant Division inputs information into various computer systems > apprehension of subject > court appearance.

What Kinds of Warrants Are There?

There are a few different types of warrants and they all represent different situations and different consequences, which you’ll find listed below in alphabetical order.

Alias Warrant – this is issued when a subject fails to appear in court for a scheduled court date before any plea has been entered, or if a subject fails to respond to a citation or by mail. Failure to appear is an added charge.
Bench Warrant – this is a variant of an arrest warrant and is usually issued when a subject fails to appear for a required court appearance.
Capias Warrant – this is issued when a subject has a guilty judgment either through a court appearance, plea, or arraignment in jail, and fails to pay a fine or complete specific conditions within a required time period.
Civil Capias Warrant – this is a special kind of apprehension order, issued in civil court cases where the defendant repeatedly fails to comply with the judge’s orders. These can also be called “Body Attachments” and “Mittimuses”, and are different to criminal warrants since they aren’t issued to arrest anyone, but instead get them to the court for the hearing.
Criminal Warrant – this is issued when someone is suspected of a crime and there is enough probable cause to arrest them.
Fugitive Warrant – this is issued by another state when a suspect is believed to be within a certain jurisdiction.
Governor’s Warrant – this is issued by the Governor’s office so the suspect, who committed a SIGNMEUPcrime in a different state, may be arrested within another and transported back.
Search Warrant – a search warrant is a little different than the others. The fourth amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizure of their person, vehicle or places. For an officer or agent to attain a search warrant, there must be probable cause and they must attain a sworn affidavit. This kind of warrant simply means they have probable cause to search what they want in the way they want, it’s not a warrant against you, though obviously they wouldn’t attain a search warrant if there wasn’t an ongoing investigation in which they suspect you of a crime.

How Serious is a Warrant?

A warrant is serious and it means any police officer can take you into custody at any time. You should act quickly if you discover there is one out on you. A warrant will leave you with a criminal record and that last for your lifetime. In Missouri, having a warrant will affect your ability to get a bank loan, and many employers run potential employee names through a criminal search to learn about their past, and having a warrant will likely affect your employability.

What Happens When a Warrant is Placed On Me?

When a police officer has probable cause that a suspect committed a certain crime, they approach a judge to issue an arrest warrant. This means any law enforcement officer who comes across you has the right to take you into custody.

Will the Court Notify Me?

They might, but it’s not likely, and it’s not required. If you do receive a letter then they are allowing you the chance to take care of the warrant yourself, but if you have an arrest warrant then they will want to take you into custody, not wait for you to turn yourself in. That’s why if you discover you have a warrant out for your arrest you should contact a lawyer and act as quickly as possible.

How Do I Check if I Have a Warrant Out For My Arrest?

The Missouri state system maintains a statewide public database that you can use to search for parties, court judgment, and charges in the public court system. The easiest way to check for warrants in Missouri is to search the public record online or call the sheriff’s office in the county the warrant may be issued. You can visit Case.net [link: www.case.net] and input someone’s last name, then click on the tab for docket entries to see any warrants. You can also narrow your search by city, county, type of warrant, and alias information.
There are also third-party websites that provide free warrant checks in Missouri, though you may have to pay a fee to access the public records. You can find a list of specific county websites here [link: https://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Missouri-Warrants.htm].

Be aware that some kinds of cases are not on public record, such as domestic violence offenses and juvenile offenders, so you will need to hire an attorney to search these cases on your behalf. Most, but not all criminal defense lawyers have access to certain law enforcement databases that will be able to confirm whether there is an active warrant.

Can I Find Out if a Friend, Family Member or Prospective Employee Has a Warrant?

Yes, if you need or want to check if a friend, family member or prospective employee has a warrant you can do this the same way you would search for one on yourself, though be aware that certain warrants, such as those for domestic violence charges, are kept from the public record and require an attorney to discover.

Do Warrants Ever Go Away?

The short answer is: no. You may move away and not hear anything about it for many years, but it only takes an officer to pull you over for speeding and look you up on their system to discover the warrant. Warrants do not expire and remain outstanding until you pass away or if the judge recalls it for some other reason.

What Should I Do if I Have a Warrant?

Don’t ignore it. Try to address your warrant as soon as possible, and it’s recommended you seek a lawyer for legal help immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward and attain the best outcome for you and your case. Most importantly, if you retain an attorney before the warrant is issued but you know one is coming, they can immediately file an entry of appearance on your case and start negotiating a bond reduction on your behalf. It is much easier to have an attorney on retainer before you find yourself sitting in jail with a high bond.

Another issue, that arises regularly is if you are caught with a controlled substance, law enforcement will book and release you without a court date. This is because before law enforcement can apply for a warrant the suspected narcotics must be sent to the crime/drug lab to be tested, and this lab sheet must show that what you possessed was indeed a controlled substance. These lab tests can take 4-10 months depending on which jurisdiction you are in and how backed up the lab is at that point in time. Many clients call in a panic or find themselves under arrest for something that happened nearly a year ago. There are other reasons why you want to have a lawyer on retainer before the warrant is issued.

You must appear in court for your hearing unless you have a good reason why you are unable to, which will be explained to the judge in your absence, and they will reschedule your court date. Failure to appear is a crime and they may fine you or even take you into custody should you fail to appear at your court hearing.
To have a bench warrant cleared you must appear in court personally, with your attorney, or your attorney’s appearance on your behalf. If the warrant is for a felony then you must personally appear no matter what.
If you have a Capias warrant, then you can resolve it by paying the fine in full, or to be released from jail for “time served” by remaining in jail until enough jail credit has been earned.

What Happens if I Turn Myself In?

Deciding to turn yourself will always work in your favor, though it is wise to speak to an attorney first so you know what to do and say, especially when appearing in court. If you have a bench warrant then turning yourself in and appearing before a judge sooner rather than later will help you get it lifted quickly.
Whether you have an attorney or not, you must explain your behavior satisfactorily, and your decision to turn yourself in should reflect well on you. Once you have legal representation, it is much easier to turn yourself in than be caught and taken into custody by police officers.

If you have a warrant out against you in the St. Louis Metro area, Combs Law Group is here to help. We are a criminal defense and personal injury law firm experienced in all areas of criminal defense and can assist you with your case, help you make the best decisions and discover any outstanding warrants you have. If you are worried you have a warrant out for your arrest or have discovered you have one in the St. Louis Metro area, don’t hesitate to contact us today to arrange a free consultation as soon as possible.