St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys

Last updated on July 18, 2025

If you have recently been arrested or learned that you are under investigation on suspicion of a crime, you will naturally worry first about the immediate threats to your freedom and well-being. Will you be stuck in jail for a while? Will you be able to carry on with life as usual while your defense gets underway? What will the long-term consequences be to your reputation, personal life and livelihood?

Your situation may seem overwhelming as you are facing criminal charges or allegations. Rest assured. At KesslerWilliams, we have decades of experience helping our fellow Missourians, as well as Illinoisans, courageously overcome criminal charges.

For Your Own Good, Work Closely With Your Defense Attorney

Your lawyer may succeed in getting your case dismissed or even prevent an arrest if you have not yet been arrested. When you work with KesslerWilliams, you will benefit as your attorney guides you in the right direction while keeping you well-informed about all aspects of the criminal justice system and legal processes that pertain to you.

We fight for fair trials and out-of-court solutions for people charged with crimes such as the following in the St. Louis area and beyond:

• Driving or boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI/DWI or BUI)
• Speeding, driving recklessly or other serious traffic violations
• Violent crimes, including assault and battery, domestic violence and abuse, weapons violations, kidnapping and arson
• Fraud, conspiracy, identification theft (ID theft) and other white collar crimes
• Shoplifting, robbery and other types of theft
• Sexual assault and other sex crimes
• Drug possession, manufacture or distribution
• Juvenile crimes
• Probation and parole violations

Let us know what questions you have about your charges or any criminal law issues, such as those discussed below.

Common Questions About Criminal Defense

We are here to provide information as well as prepare effective defense strategies. Ask us whatever is on your mind, such as the following.

What should I do if I am arrested in St. Louis?

If you are arrested in St. Louis, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Provide only your basic identifying information to law enforcement, such as your name and address. Do not discuss the circumstances of your arrest or make any statements about the alleged crime. Take these important steps immediately:

• Request to speak with an attorney immediately, and do not answer any questions without legal representation present.
• Memorize or write down important details about your arrest, including the time, location and names of the arresting officers.
• Contact a family member or trusted friend who can help coordinate with a criminal defense attorney on your behalf.
• Remember that all phone calls from jail may be monitored, so avoid discussing any details about your case over the phone.

The sooner you engage legal representation, the better positioned you will be to protect your rights and build an effective defense strategy.

What does it mean to be under criminal investigation, and do I need a lawyer yet?

Being under criminal investigation means that law enforcement authorities are gathering evidence to determine whether there is probable cause to believe you have committed a crime. You may become aware of an investigation through direct contact from law enforcement, a subpoena, a search warrant or from others who have been questioned about you.

Even if you haven’t been charged with a crime, it is essential to seek legal representation as soon as you learn you’re under investigation. Early intervention by a seasoned criminal defense attorney can often prevent charges from being filed or minimize their severity.

Your attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect you from making self-incriminating statements, make sure your rights are protected during searches and seizures, and begin gathering evidence to support your defense.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines typically not exceeding $2,000. Common misdemeanors include:

• First-time DWI offenses
• Simple assault
• Petty theft
• Disorderly conduct

Felonies are more serious crimes, resulting in state prison sentences surpassing one year and substantial fines. Common felonies include:

• Drug trafficking
• Serious violent crimes
• Grand theft
• Armed robbery

Multiple misdemeanor convictions can sometimes lead to felony charges for subsequent similar offenses. Both types of charges require skilled legal representation to protect your rights.

Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

An experienced lawyer understands the legal system and the most effective routes to favorable outcomes in a wide range of criminal cases. People who settle for working with public defenders or attempt to represent themselves often make mistakes and may serve jail time when they could have had probation instead.

Should I answer questions that the police or other law enforcement agents ask me?

You should give your name and be courteous. However, for your own sake, you should not answer detailed questions about the circumstances of your arrest or the charges against you before seeking legal counsel.

Police investigators are trained to interview suspects in an attempt to get a confession, leading to a conviction. The less you say about an alleged criminal offense without an attorney’s guidance, the better.

Why should I hire KesslerWilliams?

A review of our qualifications will help you see why our firm is a good choice for aggressive criminal defense in the St. Louis area. One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor. Several have been educators in law schools. Our jury trial experience, track record and dedication to your defense are reasons to give our firm a second look.

Related Areas Of Our Full-Service Defense Practice

A criminal allegation can also raise issues regarding your employment, education, immigration status and driving privileges, including your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Furthermore, you may face an administrative hearing involving the Department of Revenue or Division of Social Services, or a hearing regarding your employment license with The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners or a similar credentialing organization.

If you are a student or college educator, you may have to defend yourself from allegations of violating collegiate misconduct policies covered by Title IX.

Our attorneys at KesslerWilliams have a record of success in resolving the issues referenced above. Our legal advice encompasses a wide array of criminal and professional credentials defense issues in St. Louis and the surrounding areas in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.

Our Experience With St. Louis Area Court Systems

When facing criminal charges, the specific court where your case is heard plays a crucial role. Each court in the St. Louis metropolitan area has distinct procedures, judicial approaches and administrative systems. Acknowledging these local distinctions is the deciding factor for developing an effective defense tailored to that venue.

Our attorneys regularly appear in various courts throughout the region and have built professional relationships with prosecutors, judges and court personnel that benefit our clients. This includes frequent appearances in the St. Louis Circuit Court, which manages a high volume of felony and misdemeanor cases originating within the city. We are also deeply familiar with the operations of the St. Louis County Circuit Court, a separate jurisdiction with its own judges and prosecutorial teams, handling cases from the county’s municipalities.

Beyond these, numerous municipal courts operate across St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and Franklin County. These courts generally address ordinance violations, traffic matters and some misdemeanors. While penalties might seem less severe, convictions can still impact your driving record, insurance and employment. Navigating municipal court proceedings without informed guidance can lead to unexpected complications and lasting repercussions. Our firm assists clients across these varied municipal jurisdictions, recognizing that every charge requires diligent attention.

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri is the pertinent trial-level venue for matters involving federal law. Federal cases, such as those involving drug trafficking, white collar offenses or specific firearms charges, operate under a unique set of rules, including different sentencing guidelines and procedural requirements than state courts. These cases often stem from investigations by federal agencies and demand a defense strategy attuned to federal practice. Representation familiar with the eastern district’s specific protocols can significantly affect how a case unfolds.

Attempting to learn local rules, unwritten procedures or courthouse logistics on your own while under the duress of a criminal charge adds considerable burden and risk. Every interaction, from arraignment to pretrial motions, is shaped by the specific court’s environment. Our experiences in the above courts mean you benefit from attorneys who:

• Know the procedural nuances of each court
• Understand the tendencies of specific judges and prosecutors
• Can anticipate potential outcomes based on court history
• Navigate court schedules efficiently to minimize delays

This detailed knowledge of local court systems translates into more effective representation and often more favorable outcomes for clients.

An Overview Of The St. Louis Court System

St. Louis has a three-tiered court system consisting of magisterial, circuit (district) and federal courts. Understanding the differences between these courts is crucial for effective legal representation.

1. Magisterial courts: Also known as municipal courts, they handle minor offenses, traffic violations and some misdemeanors. Examples include St. Louis City Municipal Court and various county municipal courts. They have limited jurisdiction and typically do not conduct jury trials.
2. Circuit (district) courts: These are the primary state-level trial courts. They handle more serious criminal cases, including felonies and major misdemeanors. Examples include St. Louis City Circuit Court and St. Louis County Circuit Court. These courts conduct both bench and jury trials.
3. Federal court: The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri handles federal crimes and cases involving federal law. It operates under different rules and procedures from state courts and typically involves more complex cases and potentially harsher sentences.

Each court level has its own unique procedures, judicial approaches and administrative systems. Our firm’s experience across all these court systems ensures that we can provide tailored, effective representation regardless of where your case is heard.

Get Sound Legal Advice And A Strong Defense For Criminal Charges

Know your legal rights. Start collaborating with our team after you have been charged with a crime, named in a criminal investigation or scheduled for a criminal trial. We will work toward the most important goal for you: preventing a criminal conviction and a criminal record.

To reach our Saint Louis law office and schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney about your marijuana possession charges or any misdemeanor or felony charges, call 314-720-5476 or email us.