Criminal defense involves more than a deep understanding of the law.. It also requires preparation, clear communication, and an understanding of the challenges clients face throughout the legal process. St. Louis and Missouri criminal defense lawyer Christopher Combs has built his practice around those principles.
A founding partner of Missouri criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, Chris has built his career in criminal defense on the belief that the way clients are represented is just as important as pursuing the strongest possible legal outcome.
The Work Starts Long Before Trial
It begins in the deliberate, disciplined work that precedes it, including studying how the state built its case and identifying its weak point. That process is not a preliminary step. It is the work itself.
As an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney, Chris examines police reports, witness statements, procedural records, and timelines with careful precision, knowing that details can significantly influence the direction of a case. Clients consistently point to this quality when describing what it is like to work with him: the confidence that comes from knowing their attorney sees them as a person and not a case number.
Guidance That Builds Confidence
Research shows that involvement in the justice system often creates significant emotional distress. Anxiety can make people struggle to understand legal proceedings, participate in important conversations, and make informed decisions. When answers are scarce, fear often fills the gaps.
Chris holds a straightforward belief: that clients deserve to understand their own case. He explains what is happening at every stage, lays out available options with clarity, and addresses questions in clear, practical terms. This combination of strategic preparation and clear communication helps clients better understand the legal process while making informed decisions throughout their case.
Steady When the Pressure Rises
Chris has built his reputation on cases where there is very little room for error. Felony charges, federal investigations, white-collar allegations, and complex criminal matters can jeopardize a person’s freedom, reputation, career, and future stability. It is in those moments when his steady, prepared approach becomes one of his greatest assets.
He approaches serious criminal cases with careful preparation and attention to the unique circumstances surrounding each case. Chris investigates the facts, weakens the state’s case, and tailors each defense to the client’s specific circumstances. He knows that in federal and high-stakes cases the smallest details can have a profound effect on the outcome. His experience handling complex criminal matters has contributed to a practice that clients turn to for careful preparation and strategic representation in high-stakes cases.
Understanding the Broader Impact of DWI Charges
Chris understands that the consequences of a DWI charge often extend well beyond the initial arrest. It can affect a client’s license, livelihood, professional standing, insurance costs, family stability, and reputation. That is why he handles each matter as if the client’s future were his own
Chris looks closely at every stage of the case, from the reason for the traffic stop to field observations, testing methods, and officer decisions. His approach reflects the importance of carefully examining every stage of a DWI case, from the initial stop through the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Building a Firm Centered on Trust
When St. Louis and Missouri criminal defense lawyers Chris Combs and Steven Waterkotte launched Combs Waterkotte, their focus was clear from the beginning: to create a firm where clients felt informed, supported, and well represented throughout the legal process.
The same principle remains central to the firm’s growth today. Every case receives individual attention rather than a standardized approach. Every client receives direct communication rather than uncertainty. Those values continue to shape the firm’s approach to representing individuals throughout Missouri who are seeking experienced criminal defense and clear, consistent communication.
Commitment Beyond the Courtroom
Chris’s work does not end where the courtroom record closes. His role with the National Peer Recovery Alliance reflects a wider dedication to individuals facing substance misuse, mental health concerns, and the difficult process of rebuilding stability.
Over time, Chris’s work has been recognized by respected legal organizations, reflecting the discipline and advocacy he brings to his practice. That recognition includes Missouri Super Lawyers honors, Kansas Rising Star distinction, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys Top 10 Under 40 recognition, and selection among Missouri’s 10 Best Attorneys by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys in 2020.
As Combs Waterkotte grows, St. Louis and Missouri defense attorney Christopher Combs continues to lead with the same principles that shaped its foundation: careful preparation, strong advocacy, and honest client guidance. Each case reflects his commitment to helping clients navigate difficult legal situations with preparation, clear guidance, and thoughtful advocacy.
