Best Criminal Lawyer in Saint Louis
Douglas Richards
Criminal Lawyer
I am Douglas Richards, a St Louis MO Criminal Defense Attorney, who since graduating from Washington University Law School in 1986, have been helping and defending people who have been arrested and charged with all kinds of Felony Charges and Misdemeanor Charges in St Louis and St Louis County for over the past 34 years.
You or a family member were arrested by the police for some type of Criminal Charge (Felony or a Misdemeanor) such as, but not limited to:
Matthew A. Radefeld
Criminal Lawyer
Matthew is a principal in the law firm of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law in Clayton, Missouri specializing in Federal and State criminal law. He has tried cases throughout Illinois, Missouri, and the District Court of Eastern Missouri. He has argued before the Eastern District of Missouri, the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S.C.A. for the Eighth Circuit. He is licensed in the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S.C.A for the Armed Forces.
Matthew has served as Chair of BAMSL’s Criminal Practice Section and was a member of its CLE Committee and Board of Governors. He served three terms on the Missouri Bar Young Lawyers Section, during which he served on its Executive Council, the Public Defender and Special Needs Task Forces. He is currently the President of the St. Louis County Bar Association. Lastly, Matthew is also on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Innocence Project and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL).
Matthew has a long service record with the U.S. Military. At the age of 17, he entered and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1993-2000. Soon after he was honorably discharged from the Marines, the 9/11 tragedy occurred and Matthew once again volunteered to serve his country. This time he was commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserves wherein he served 9 years in the JAG Corps and obtained the rank of Captain. In both of these branches of the military, Matthew received numerous awards and commendations.
Matthew has a background in law enforcement and has prosecuted cases in both state and military courts. During law school, Matthew interned at the McLean County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, the City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. Through these experiences, Matthew has had an opportunity to see how a criminal case works its way through the system and has utilized this knowledge to better assist his clients today.
Brian J. Cooke
Criminal Lawyer
As a lawyer in St. Louis, Brian Cooke has embraced the role of a “small town lawyer in a big city”. That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t take on big cases, but it does mean that no matter how big or small the case, you’ll get personal attention from the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case. Customer Service is our top priority at the Cooke Law Firm, and you will be kept informed about your case every step of the way.
Brian is a St. Louis native who has spent his career helping good people in bad situations. 1oo percent of his practice is dedicated to helping those facing criminal and DWI charges. He has no interest in chasing ambulances, drafting wills, negotiating divorces. He does, however, relish in cross examining dirty cops.
At the Cooke Law Firm, we understand that facing a criminal charge is one of the most stressful experiences imaginable. After being arrested, taken to jail, and hauled into court it often feels as if you’ve already been convicted. We pride ourselves on providing aggressive representation from the moment you retain our office. While no can ethically guarantee a result, we do guarantee that we will do everything possible to obtain the best outcome possible in your case.
Brian has been recognized by Superlawyers, has a perfect 10/10 “Superb” rating from avvo.com, and was awarded “Missouri’s 10 best in client satisfaction for DUI/DWI cases”. In addition to practicing in trial courts across the state of Missouri, Brian has represented individuals Missouri’s Eastern District Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Missouri.
Mark Hammer
Criminal Lawyer
As a founding lawyer of The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, Mark A. Hammer has built a practice that focuses exclusively on criminal defense and the client. Additionally, he draws from extensive experience and insight gained as a former prosecutor to handle each case as effectively and intelligently as possible. As a result of his talent, experience, and commitment to making a real difference in the lives of clients and their loved ones, Mark has been successful in hundreds of criminal trials at both the state and federal levels.
Mark earned his B.S. and law degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City before spending over 13 years as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Washington and Minnesota. This experience enabled Mark to effectively gauge the other side’s actions and intentions when representing defendants and provided him with the insight he leverages in each case our firm handles.
A committed member of the community, Mark has dedicated time to pro bono representation and has volunteered for the ALS Association. He has also taught legal classes and seminars on trial advocacy and trial practice in several schools of higher education.
Mark’s extensive experience and genuine demeanor make clients feel confident in choosing The Hammer Law Firm, LLC to help them through difficult times. Be confident in choosing us. Our firm is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and serves clients throughout the metropolitan area and statewide throughout Missouri. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. This disclosure is required by the rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri.
John Schleiffarth
Criminal Lawyer
John Schleiffarth is a third generation native of the Saint Louis area. He grew up in Des Peres and graduated from Kirkwood High School. John is an active member of his church and enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and his son.
Professional Associations
- Federal Bar Association
- National Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member of the National College for DUI Defense
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)
- Missouri Bar, Criminal Law Committee
Awards
- Super Lawyers-Rising Star-Crimianl Defense/DWI-2015
- Awarded 2014 and 2015 “10 Best” DWI Attorneys in Missouri for Client Satisfaction by American Institute of DUI Attorneys
- 2012, 2013, 2014 Clients Choice Award from Avvo.com
- 2013, 2014, 205, 2016 Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award
- “Top 40 Under 40” Award from the National Trial Lawyers Association 2015, 2016
- “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” Missouri, National Trial Lawyers Association 2014, 2015
Steven Waterkotte
Criminal Lawyer
Steven A. Waterkotte is the founder and principal of Combs Waterkotte. Prior to the formation of Combs Waterkotte, Mr. Waterkotte was the managing partner of his own criminal defense firm for over 13 years before joining forces with Mr. Combs.
Mr. Waterkotte focuses his practice almost exclusively on criminal defense. He defends the rights of the accused in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. Mr. Waterkotte has a reputation as a passionate and relentless fighter for his clients. Mr. Waterkotte has jury-tried many cases in courtrooms across Missouri. He has obtained not guilty verdicts on cases ranging from murder to rape to misdemeanors. Mr. Waterkotte has been widely recognized in the criminal defense industry by his peers as demonstrated by a number of awards such as Best of the Best – Top 10, Lawyers of Distinction, National Trial Lawyer – Top 100, and Missouri Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney.
In addition to his criminal defense practice, Mr. Waterkotte has successfully defended hundreds of clients in order of protection cases. He is known as one of the leading advocates in Missouri for respondents in order of protection cases. Many attorneys throughout the state consult and hire Mr. Waterkotte to represent their clients who have been served with an order of protection. Mr. Waterkotte also has successfully appealed numerous order of protection cases to appellate courts in Missouri. Mr. Waterkotte was even chosen to sit on a committee in St. Louis County to advise judges on ways to improve the order of protection process.
Mr. Waterkotte also represents college students facing disciplinary action. He has achieved favorable results for many students throughout the Missouri area facing disciplinary action by his or her university or college.
A lifelong St. Louisan, Mr. Waterkotte graduated from Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in both English and Education from Webster University. While attending Webster University, Mr. Waterkotte excelled as a NCAA student-athlete as a member of the men’s basketball team for four years. Mr. Waterkotte obtained his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Waterkotte interned at the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office.
In the Community
Mr. Waterkotte is very involved in the St. Louis community. He is an active volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization and also a member of Attorneys for Amachi Missouri, which is a program that addresses the needs of children with at least one parent in prison. In his free time, Mr. Waterkotte enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He is an avid fan of Mizzou football and basketball.
Matthew A. Radefeld
Criminal Lawyer
Matthew is a principal in the law firm of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law in Clayton, Missouri specializing in Federal and State criminal law. He has tried cases throughout Illinois, Missouri, and the District Court of Eastern Missouri. He has argued before the Eastern District of Missouri, the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S.C.A. for the Eighth Circuit. He is licensed in the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S.C.A for the Armed Forces.
Matthew has served as Chair of BAMSL’s Criminal Practice Section and was a member of its CLE Committee and Board of Governors. He served three terms on the Missouri Bar Young Lawyers Section, during which he served on its Executive Council, the Public Defender and Special Needs Task Forces. He is currently the President of the St. Louis County Bar Association. Lastly, Matthew is also on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Innocence Project and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL).
Matthew has a long service record with the U.S. Military. At the age of 17, he entered and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1993-2000. Soon after he was honorably discharged from the Marines, the 9/11 tragedy occurred and Matthew once again volunteered to serve his country. This time he was commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserves wherein he served 9 years in the JAG Corps and obtained the rank of Captain. In both of these branches of the military, Matthew received numerous awards and commendations.
Matthew has a background in law enforcement and has prosecuted cases in both state and military courts. During law school, Matthew interned at the McLean County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, the City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. Through these experiences, Matthew has had an opportunity to see how a criminal case works its way through the system and has utilized this knowledge to better assist his clients today.
Charles Barberio
Criminal Lawyer
Charles Barberio is an accomplished criminal defense attorney with a well-defined track record of winning at trial. Charles has accumulated dozens of Not Guilty verdicts and ranks among the very top in that category over the past 5 years. Charles has become one of the “go to” serious criminal defense attorneys during that time. With multiple acquittals on the most serious of charges, including murder, Charles offers a level of proven success rivaled by only a few other premier attorneys in the field.
Committees and Honors:
Criminal Chair Elect – Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Top 40 lawyers under 40
Super Lawyers – Rising Star
National Trial Lawyers – Top 100
Featured Speaker – Criminal Defense CLE (BAMSL)
Education: Undergraduate: University of Missouri – 2005
Law School: University of Missouri – 2008
Bar Admissions: Missouri – 2008
Eastern District of Missouri – US Federal Court
Illinois Getting Rid of Bail Bonds/New Pre-Trial Release Laws
Illinois has enacted significant changes to its criminal justice system by eliminating cash bail and introducing new pre-trial release laws. These reforms, part of the SAFE-T Act (Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today), aim to address disparities in the bail system, reduce pre-trial incarceration rates, and ensure that individuals are not detained solely because they cannot afford bail.
Key Changes Under the New Laws
Abolition of Cash Bail: Illinois became the first state to eliminate cash bail entirely. Under the new system, judges will no longer set a cash amount for defendants to pay in order to secure their release before trial. Instead, decisions about pre-trial release will be based on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and their perceived risk to public safety.
Pre-Trial Detention Criteria: Instead of relying on a defendant’s ability to pay, judges will now determine pre-trial detention based on specific factors:
- Public Safety Risk: Defendants who are deemed to pose a significant risk to public safety may be held in custody without the option of release.
- Flight Risk: Defendants who are considered likely to flee or not appear for future court dates may also be detained.
This shift moves the focus from financial ability to the risk an individual poses, aiming for a fairer, more just system.
Pre-Trial Services: To support individuals released before trial, Illinois has enhanced its pre-trial services. These may include:
- Supervision Programs: Defendants may be monitored through programs like electronic monitoring or required to check in regularly with pre-trial services.
- Court Reminders: Systems are in place to remind defendants of their upcoming court appearances, helping reduce missed appearances without the need for cash bail.
Risk Assessments: Judges will utilize a risk assessment tool that helps evaluate whether a defendant is a threat to public safety or a flight risk. This tool takes into account various factors, such as criminal history and the severity of the charges, and assists in making more objective release decisions.
Rationale Behind the Reforms
The cash bail system has long been criticized for disproportionately impacting low-income individuals and communities of color. People unable to afford bail often remain incarcerated for extended periods, even for non-violent offenses, which can result in job loss, family hardship, and other negative consequences. The new pre-trial release laws aim to create a more equitable system where detention is based on risk, not financial capability.
Concerns and Support
Supporters of the new law argue that it promotes fairness and reduces unnecessary pre-trial detention, especially for low-income individuals. Critics, however, express concerns that eliminating cash bail might lead to an increase in crime, as more individuals are released without financial stakes.
Conclusion
Illinois‘ decision to eliminate cash bail and reform its pre-trial release laws represents a significant shift in the criminal justice system, aiming to create a more just and equitable process. These changes are being closely watched as a potential model for other states considering similar reforms. As the new laws are implemented, their impact on public safety and fairness will continue to be a point of discussion.