Steven A. Waterkotte, Criminal Defense Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 17 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense
Founder and PrincipalatCombs Waterkotte
St Louis, MO
Practicing criminal defense in St Louis since 2009.
- 17+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Steven A. Waterkotte is a founder and principal based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Steven has over 17 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Combs Waterkotte.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MO
- Experience
- over 17 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · DV Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense matters from St. Louis, MO.
- Over 17 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Steven A. Waterkotte: Steven A. Waterkotte is a founder and principal based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Steven has over 17 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Combs Waterkotte.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steven takes on
Steven concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv defense, dv protection, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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DV Defense
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DV Protection
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General
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Juvenile
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Probation
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Traffic
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Criminal Defense cases in St Louis, Missouri
Steven takes criminal defense matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in St Louis, Missouri
Steven takes dui/dwi matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in St Louis, Missouri
Steven takes dv defense matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
DV Protection cases in St Louis, Missouri
Steven takes dv protection matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
General cases in St Louis, Missouri
Steven takes general matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Steven A. Waterkotte — criminal defense lawyer in St Louis
Steven A. Waterkotte is a founder and principal based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Steven has over 17 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Combs Waterkotte.
Steven A. Waterkotte is the founder and principal of Combs Waterkotte. An award-winning criminal defense attorney, Mr. Waterkotte is dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for all clients.
Driven to Deliver
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.
Working with Steven on a criminal defense matter
Steven A. Waterkotte is the founder and principal of Combs Waterkotte. An award-winning criminal defense attorney, Mr. Waterkotte is dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for all clients. Driven to Deliver 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…
Who Steven represents
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and dv defense matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Oklahoma City University School of Law
J.D. · 2009
Webster University
B.A. · 2006
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
Missouri
2009 · ACTIVE
Steven studied at J.D. in Oklahoma City University School of Law and B.A. in Webster University.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in Oklahoma City University School of Law and B.A. in Webster University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Steven A. Waterkotte's office in St. Louis
Steven's primary office is at Bemiston Tower, 231 South Bemiston Avenue, Suite 1100, St. Louis, MO, 63108. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Combs Waterkotte
Bemiston Tower, 231 South Bemiston Avenue, Suite 1100
St. Louis, MO 63108
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Steven A. Waterkotte — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in St Louis, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Steven
Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Steven A. Waterkotte
How much does it cost to hire Steven for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside St Louis?
Steven is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steven will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Steven?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
Steven handles criminal defense matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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