Defending Freedom

Think you can lie to a police officer without them noticing?

Experienced officers and investigators spend years talking to suspects, witnesses, victims, and people trying to hide something. And sometimes, it’s not the lie itself that gives someone away, it’s what happens around it.

Changing details. Overexplaining simple questions. A story that sounds almost too rehearsed. Details that don’t match the evidence. Or a completely different answer when the same question is asked another way.

A former police officer and investigator explains the behaviors that can make cops suspicious, how investigators test whether a story holds up, and why trying too hard to look believable can sometimes have the opposite effect.

Police aren’t human lie detectors—but once they think something doesn’t add up, your own story may be what exposes you.

• Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Louis, MO
• Miranda Rights in Missouri and Illinois
• Fifth Amendment Rights in Missouri and Illinois
• What to Do If You're Wanted for Questioning in Missouri
• Dos and Don'ts When Interacting With the Police
• Police Interrogation, Arrest, and Booking
• Know Your Legal Rights When It Comes to Law Enforcement in Missouri
• If I'm Innocent, Do I Still Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Former police officer, corrections officer, Navy veteran, and investigator Andrew Skoklo answers some of the internet’s most-asked questions about police, prison, crime, and what actually happens behind the badge.

Can cops tell when you’re lying? What’s the #1 mistake people make during a traffic stop? What should you NEVER say after getting arrested? Do police officers treat other cops differently? What happens when a bodycam doesn’t match the police report? And does seeing your first dea* body change you?

After years of working in law enforcement, corrections, and criminal investigations, Andrew gives his perspective on the questions people have always wanted to ask a cop.

No scripted police answers. Just real stories, experiences, and opinions from someone who spent years on the inside.

• Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Louis
• Unlawful Search and Seizure Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Probable Cause, Police Searches, and the Fourth Amendment
• Criminal Law Guides
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• Criminal Defense Practice Areas
• Felony DWI Lawyer in St. Louis

Missouri criminal defense attorneys Christopher Combs, Matthew Brown, and Martell Turner from Combs Waterkotte recently sat down to discuss all things criminal defense. In this video, they go over twelve of the most common questions related to criminal defense and the role of your lawyer.

1. Do I need a criminal defense attorney in Missouri?
2. When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in Missouri?
3. What does a criminal defense attorney do in Missouri?
4. How can a criminal defense lawyer help me?
5. What's the difference between a public defender and a private attorney?
6. Should I hire a lawyer before talking to police?
7. Can a lawyer stop detectives from questioning me?
8. What should I look for in a Missouri criminal defense attorney?
9. How do I choose the best criminal defense lawyer in Missouri?
10. What questions should I ask a criminal defense attorney during a consultation?
11. What is a free consultation, and what should I bring?
12. Can I change lawyers in the middle of a criminal case?

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer in St Louis
• Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis
• Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
• Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
• Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis
• Sex Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
• Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis

If you've been charged with a crime in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, give us a call at 314-900-HELP or fill out our online contact form: Contact us

Missouri criminal defense attorneys Christopher Combs, Matthew Brown, and Martell Turner from Combs Waterkotte recently sat down to discuss all things criminal defense.

In this video, they discuss Missouri investigative procedure and how to handle law enforcement contacts.

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
• Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis
• DWI/DUI Lawyer in St. Louis
• Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer in St. Louis
• Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis
• Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Louis

If you've been charged with a crime in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, give us a call at 314-900-HELP or fill out our online contact form: Contact us

Missouri Arrests, Police Contact, and Investigations.

Missouri criminal defense attorneys Christopher Combs, Matthew Brown, and Martell Turner from Combs Waterkotte recently sat down to discuss all things criminal defense. In this video, they discuss Missouri investigative procedure and how to handle law enforcement contacts.

• Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Firm
• Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
• Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer in St Louis
• Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis
• Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis
• Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
• Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
• Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis
• Orders of Protection Lawyer St. Louis, MO
• Probation Violations in St. Louis
• Sex Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis
• Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis

If you've been charged with a crime in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, give us a call at 314-900-HELP or fill out our online contact form: Contact us

Combs Waterkotte is the leading Conspiracy Defense Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Conspiracy Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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If you’re under investigation or already facing conspiracy charges in Missouri, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Combs Waterkotte is a leading Missouri criminal defense law firm with decades of experience handling complex conspiracy and white-collar crime allegations. We deliver strategic, aggressive defense with a long track record of successful outcomes.

Even if no crime was completed, a conspiracy charge in Missouri can result in serious penalties. At Combs Waterkotte, we provide aggressive, strategic defense for individuals accused of conspiracy to commit white-collar, drug, or violent crimes in state or federal court. Our experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorneys know how to dismantle weak prosecution claims and protect your rights from the moment an investigation begins.

Conspiracy is broadly defined as an agreement between two or more people to commit an unlawful act. Under Missouri law and federal statutes, you can be charged with conspiracy even if the alleged crime was never completed. All the prosecution needs to prove is:

• You agreed with at least one other person to commit a crime
• One party took a “substantial step” toward committing that crime

Examples of a “substantial step” include gathering materials, scouting a location, or communicating about the plan. You don’t have to directly participate in the crime to face charges — which makes conspiracy cases highly subjective and open to aggressive defense tactics.

Our criminal defense lawyers have experience with conspiracy charges tied to a wide range of alleged offenses, including:

• White-Collar Crimes: Bank fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud
• Drug trafficking or distribution
• Armed robbery or assault
• Racketeering or RICO-related offenses
• Sex trafficking or exploitation
• Obstruction of justice or perjury

Because conspiracy charges often involve federal investigation and surveillance, our legal team understands how to challenge electronic evidence, cooperating witness testimony, and vague statements used to claim a “criminal agreement.”

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Combs Waterkotte is the leading Federal Check and Credit Card Fraud Law firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Federal Check and Credit Card Fraud Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Federal check and credit card fraud cases are more common than most people realize, and often prosecuted harshly by the U.S. government. Combs Waterkotte’s Missouri federal check and credit card fraud attorneys defend individuals facing access device fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft charges across both the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri. If you’re under investigation or already charged, our team is ready to protect your rights.

Federal check and credit card fraud refers to the unlawful use of financial instruments, such as checks, credit cards, debit cards, or account numbers, to obtain money, goods, or services by deceit. These crimes become federal offenses when they involve interstate commerce, the U.S. mail, or electronic systems like the internet.

Credit card fraud may involve using a stolen or counterfeit card, trafficking in card numbers, or unauthorized use of access devices. Check fraud may include altering checks, using forged or stolen checks, or depositing fraudulent checks into personal or business accounts.

Prosecutors don’t have to prove you personally stole a card or wrote a fake check, only that you used or possessed fraudulent instruments with the intent to defraud. Even minor losses or Missouri-only conduct can trigger federal charges if they involve federally regulated systems.

Is credit card fraud a federal felony? Yes. Most federal cases are charged as felonies, often carrying 10–20 years in prison, depending on the facts and prior history.

What is the federal law for credit card fraud? The key statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1029, which prohibits various forms of access device fraud. Additional statutes cover bank fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorized card use across state lines.

• 18 U.S.C. § 1029 – Access Device Fraud: Covers use, trafficking, and possession of counterfeit or unauthorized cards, numbers, or codes with intent to defraud.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1344 – Bank Fraud: Involves attempts to defraud a financial institution or obtain money from it by false pretenses.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1343 – Wire Fraud: Applies when fraud is carried out via internet, email, or other wire communications.
• 15 U.S. Code § 1644 – Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards: Covers the transport or use of credit cards obtained through fraud, theft, or other illegal means across state lines or through interstate commerce.

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Combs Waterkotte is the leading DWI DUI License Restoration Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

DWI DUI License Restoration Lawyers in Missouri

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Missouri has stringent DWI/DUI laws designed to enforce strict penalties on those who violate them. Driving is considered a privilege, not a right. Under the Implied Consent Law, if you refuse or fail a sobriety test, your license is automatically suspended for one year. If you take the test and are found over the legal limit, the consequences vary depending on your prior record:

• First Offense: 30-day license suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving period.
• Second Offense: 1-year license revocation and a minimum 6 months with an ignition interlock device (IID).
• Second Offense (Within 5 Years): 5-year license revocation and a minimum 6 months with an IID.
• Third Offense: 10-year license revocation and a minimum 6 months with an IID.

If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked due to a DWI/DUI in Missouri, you may be eligible to apply for limited driving privileges (LDP), often called a hardship license. This can allow you to drive for specific purposes such as work, school, or essential daily needs.

Steps to obtain Limited Driving Privileges:

• Eligibility Check: Confirm that you qualify for LDP. Some first-time offenders may be eligible, but habitual offenders or those with recent refusals to submit to a chemical test may be excluded.
• File a Petition: File a petition with the circuit court in the county where you live, explaining your need for driving privileges.
• Provide Documentation: Submit proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) and proof that you have completed or are enrolled in the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP).
• Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID): If required, install an IID in your vehicle. This device prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
• Court Hearing: Attend a hearing where a judge reviews your petition. You and your DWI/DUI defense lawyer explain why you need limited privileges and that you are not a danger to public safety.
• Adhere to Restrictions: If granted, follow all conditions of your limited driving privilege order carefully to avoid further penalties.
• Ongoing Compliance: Maintain SR-22 insurance and comply with all IID and court requirements for the duration of the order.

Restoring your driver’s license after a first-time DWI/DUI conviction in Missouri requires completing several mandatory steps. Combs Waterkotte can guide you through each requirement and help you avoid mistakes that delay reinstatement.

Mandatory steps to restore your license:

• Complete SATOP: Enroll in and complete the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP).
• Submit SR-22: Obtain and file SR-22 proof of insurance for the required period.
• Pay Reinstatement Fees: Make sure all fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees are paid in full.

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Combs Waterkotte is the leading Weapon Offense Defense Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Weapon Offense Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Weapons offenses in Missouri bring steep penalties, harsh prosecutors, and unforgiving public scrutiny. With an experienced defense team, these charges don’t have to define your future. Combs Waterkotte has more than 50 years of combined experience helping clients challenge even the most serious weapons allegations and fight for dismissals, reductions, or not guilty verdicts.

Being charged with a weapons offense in Missouri is serious. The consequences can impact your freedom, your job, and the rest of your life. Our attorneys fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.

Combs Waterkotte defends clients facing the full range of firearms and weapons charges—from misdemeanors to high-level felonies. Common charges include:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Armed Criminal Action
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit
• Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated
• Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of Certain Weapons
• Possession of an Illegal Weapon
• Failure to Report a Shooting

Weapons charges in Missouri can result in jail or prison time, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record. Some offenses come with mandatory minimum sentences.

Examples include:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Class D felony, up to 7 years in prison
• Armed Criminal Action – Minimum 3 years in prison with no parole
• Illegal Firearm Possession – Felony charges for individuals with prior felonies or domestic violence convictions

Penalties increase if the weapon was used during another crime, if shots were fired, or if the offense occurred in a prohibited area such as a school, courthouse, or government building.

Weapons charges can escalate quickly, and prosecutors often pursue the harshest penalties available. Our defense team:

• Conducts a deep investigation into the facts of your case
• Challenges illegal searches, seizures, and weak evidence
• Negotiates aggressively to reduce or dismiss charges
• Fights for acquittals at trial when necessary

With more than five decades of combined experience, our attorneys work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome.

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Combs Waterkotte is the leading Statutory Sodomy Defense Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Statutory Sodomy Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Statutory sodomy charges are among the most severe sex crime allegations in Missouri. Convictions carry mandatory sex offender registration, long-term imprisonment, and life-altering consequences. Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading criminal defense and sex crimes law firm. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights. Call (314) 900-HELP now for a confidential consultation.

Statutory sodomy involves any form of deviate sexual intercourse with a minor under the legal age of consent. Missouri law does not allow consent or mistake of age to serve as valid defenses in most cases.

A person commits first-degree statutory sodomy if they engage in deviate sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 14.

Penalties include:

• 5 years to life in prison
• 10 years to life if the offense is aggravated (victim under 12, use of a weapon, serious injury, incest, or prior sex offense)
• No parole for offenders classified as predatory or repeat sexual offenders

A person 21 or older commits second-degree statutory sodomy if they engage in deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 17 years old.

Penalties include:

• Class D felony — up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $10,000

Missouri defines deviate sexual intercourse to include:

• Touching another person’s genitals, mouth, or anus with a hand, mouth, or tongue
• Penetration, however slight, of the genitals or anus with a finger, object, or instrument
• Acts performed for sexual arousal, gratification, intimidation, or harm

Statutory sodomy convictions require lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender. This includes:

• Severe employment and housing restrictions
• Ongoing public listing and monitoring
• In-person verification every 90 days

A statutory sodomy conviction cannot be expunged. It remains on your criminal record for life.

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