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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers St. Louis, MO

Our Recommended Best St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored St. Louis criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

263Reviewed

161Curated

8Top Picks

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Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
7217 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (248)
Facebook
5.0 (2)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Traffic Counsel has been handling the criminal defense cases of people living in St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Missouri since 2013. It helps people charged with drug possession by guiding them through the court system and addressing their questions about the procedure. It executes investigations to gather evidence and refute the prosecution's allegations. Additionally, it argues on behalf of its clients to assist them in acquiring lesser penalties or charge dismissals. The firm also deals with cases involving traffic tickets and license suspension.

David Koonce received his law degree from Boston College Law School in 2010. He is a certified public accountant and a registered attorney in Missouri. He is bilingual in Spanish and English. The phrase "Taxes & Tickets" is his unofficial motto.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
500 Boone's Lick Rd Suite C, St. Charles, MO 63301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (132)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Carter Law Offices, LLC, has been serving residents of St. Louis and those from across Missouri for more than 15 years. It offers criminal defense services to people charged with DWI and DUI, assisting them in assessing their legal options and making informed decisions. It also handles issues related to alcohol-related suspensions and warrant recalls. The firm's founder and attorney, Michael Carter, has been featured on media channels such as NBC, Fox News, CBS, and ABC for his legal expertise.

Michael Carter obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri. He is the current municipal judge for the city of Wentzville. Carter has also worked for the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals and the Missouri Attorney General's Office in Consumer Protection.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
7513A Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (105)
Avvo
4.8 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Kissell Law Group, led by a National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys-recognized lawyer, focuses on criminal law throughout Missouri, including St. Louis. The firm represents clients in situations involving DWI/DUI offenses, drug charges, assault allegations, and sexual offenses. It handles cases ranging from first-time DWI charges to complex habitual offender cases, providing defense for charges classified from misdemeanors to severe felonies. The firm's services also encompass legal representation in matters of domestic assault, harassment, and internet crimes.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
555 Washington Ave, Suite 420, St. Louis, MO 63101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (30)
Facebook
5.0 (7)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Newton Barth Attorneys at Law provides criminal defense services to locals of St. Louis, Missouri. Its legal team reviews evidence, questions police about the procedures they used in conjunction with the case, and analyzes the prosecution's case. It protects the rights of those who have been accused of drug crimes, violent felonies, and sex offenses. The law firm has more than 40 years of combined experience in the courtroom and has a track record of success in municipal, state, and federal courts.

Talmage Newton serves as a founding partner at Newton Barth Attorneys at Law. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in both Missouri and Kansas since 2021 and was also featured in Missouri Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Attorney.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crime

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
8820 Ladue Rd Ste 201, Saint Louis, MO 63124

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (362)
Facebook
5.0 (12)
Avvo
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Combs Waterkotte provides criminal defense solutions to the residents of St. Louis, Missouri. It defends the rights of individuals who have been charged and arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, forgery and fraud, repetitive vehicle charges, aggravated stalking, and murder. The law firm also helps those who need legal counseling on probation violations and driver’s license suspensions and revocations. Combs Waterkotte is a nationally recognized law firm that has been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Christopher Combs is an award-winning criminal defense attorney who has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Avvo, and The National Trial Lawyers. He received his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law and has been practicing law for more than a decade. Christopher is a member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
212 S Bemiston Ave, Clayton, MO 63105

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (61)
Google
4.9 (38)

Why choose this provider?

Jill Schaefer LLC is a law firm that provides criminal defense services to the residents of St. Louis and throughout Missouri. It offers legal representation and advice to people charged with crimes like domestic violence and child abuse, drug possession, murder, sexual misconduct, unlawful use of a weapon, and burglary. It also handles criminal nonsupport cases, such as failure to make child support payments. The firm has been delivering legal assistance since its inception in 2006.

Jill Schaefer is a criminal defense lawyer who got her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri School of Law. She has been defending clients accused of various crimes since 1997. Schaefer also gives her cell phone number to her clients so they can reach her anytime.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
223 N Main St, Saint Charles, MO 63301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (30)
Avvo
4.8 (27)
Facebook
4.8 (9)

Why choose this provider?

JMH Law Firm, LLC, is led by an attorney who has been recognized by the St. Louis Magazine as the Face of Passionate Criminal Defense from 2016 to 2019. The legal practice serves the community of St. Louis, Missouri, and represents those who have been charged and arrested for possession of controlled substances, driving under the influence, sexual abuse, unlawful use of a weapon, and domestic violence. It also assists individuals who need help with probation violations and revocation.

Joseph M. Harvath received his Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law. He has prior experience working in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Joseph is an active member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Louis
1401 South Brentwood Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63144

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (33)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, the criminal defense team of Kessler Williams fights for the rights of the accused in St. Louis, Missouri. They work on cases involving serious crimes, minor offenses, and traffic violations in state and federal courts. The attorneys are prepared to support clients throughout the entire process, starting from the initial investigation all the way to the court proceedings, including arraignment and jury trial. A full-service litigation and trial practice, Kessler Williams employs a team approach, conducts thorough investigations, and prepares strong defenses to achieve favorable outcomes.

Founding attorney Brad Kessler has been defending clients against criminal charges since 1983. Apart from the Missouri bar, he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit. Kessler received his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Compare Best St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Traffic Counsel
7217 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119
Carter Law Offices, LLC
500 Boone's Lick Rd Suite C, St. Charles, MO 63301
Kissell Law Group LLC
7513A Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
Newton Barth Attorneys at Law
555 Washington Ave, Suite 420, St. Louis, MO 63101
Combs Law Group
8820 Ladue Rd Ste 201, Saint Louis, MO 63124
Jill Schaefer LLC
212 S Bemiston Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
JMH Law Firm, LLC
223 N Main St, Saint Charles, MO 63301
Kessler Williams
1401 South Brentwood Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63144

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

St. Louis, MO Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in St. Louis, Missouri?

    You can call the St. Louis Police Department at 314-231-1212 for non-emergency cases.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in St. Louis, Missouri?

    A copy of the police report of a criminal case may be obtained at the St. Louis Police Department at 1915 Olive St., St. Louis.

  • Can you get the death penalty for committing a crime in St. Louis?

    Yes. Individuals convicted of first-degree murder in St. Louis can receive the death penalty charge. First-degree or capital murder crimes are considered the most heinous act of homicide because these crimes are committed with forethought and are planned and intentional. However, individuals may be exempted from the death penalty if they were less than 16 years old when they committed the crime or if they are diagnosed as mentally ill.

  • Can you get your DUI record expunged in St. Louis?

    Yes. Certain alcohol-related driving offenses are eligible for expungement. If it was the first record of an intoxication-related offense, ordinance violation, or misdemeanor conducted by an individual, they may seek an expungement for their DUI records. However, they should not have been convicted of any other alcohol-related driving offense for the last ten years and should not have any pending alcohol-related charges in St. Louis.

  • Can you file an appeal after a finalized judgment in a St. Louis criminal case?

    Yes. Individuals charged with a crime in St. Louis can still file an appeal after the final judgment if they believe that errors were committed during their initial case. They can also file an appeal if new evidence is discovered or if a piece of evidence was improperly withheld or admitted. Additionally, they can appeal if they had an ineffective trial counsel, there was jury misconduct, or they received excessive penalties or sentencing.

  • What are the consequences of committing a white-collar crime in St. Louis?

    Individuals charged with a white-collar crime in St. Louis may receive penalties such as hefty fines, home detention, community confinement, community service, forfeiture, and imprisonment. They may also receive restitution and supervised release penalties. In addition, a white-collar criminal charge can be brought by both state and federal law enforcement agencies, depending on the extent of the crime.

  • What crimes are considered Class A felonies in St. Louis?

    Class A felonies in St. Louis are not limited to murder. Some Class A felonies include tampering with a prescription drug order, treason, sexual exploitation of a minor, and first-degree arson, child molestation, domestic assault, robbery, and kidnapping. Crimes ruled as a second violation of habitual DWI, first-degree or second-degree abandonment or endangerment of a child resulting in death, financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person, and recklessly infecting someone with HIV are also Class A felonies.