Defending Freedom

About Defending Freedom

Defending Freedom is a podcast with Missouri attorneys Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte that dives into the world of criminal defense, justice, and the critical issues affecting individual rights. Hosted by experienced criminal defense attorneys, each episode explores real cases, legal strategies, and the challenges faced by those coming face-to-face with the justice system. With expert insights, powerful stories, and practical advice, Defending Freedom aims to educate and empower listeners on the rights of those charged with crimes and the importance of defending personal freedoms.

Publisher

Combs Waterkotte

Category

true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Nov 2024

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

247 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Missouri Arrests, Police Contact, and Investigations

   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 (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/) Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Louis, MO (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/domestic-violence-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer in St Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/drug-charges-and-possession-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/gun-charges-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Gun Charges Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/gun-charges-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Felony Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/felonies-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/juvenile-crimes-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Misdemeanor Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/misdemeanors-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Orders of Protection Lawyer St. Louis, MO (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/orders-of-protection-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Probation Violations in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/probation-violations-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Sex Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/sex-crimes-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Violent Crimes Lawyer in St. Louis (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/violent-crimes-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) 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 (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/contact/)

2. 

   19 Nov 2025

   Conspiracy Defense Lawyer in Missouri

   Conspiracy Defense Lawyer serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and ALL of Missouri. 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 (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/conspiracy-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) #Conspiracy #lawyer #attorney #defense #missouri #stlouis #kansascity 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. Conspiracy Lawyer in Missouri 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. Understanding Conspiracy Charges in Missouri 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. Common Conspiracy Offenses We Defend 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.” Related Federal Defense Pages Federal Crimes Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-crimes-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Drug Charges Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-drug-charges-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-drug-trafficking-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Embezzlement Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-embezzlement-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Espionage and National Security Violations Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-espionage-and-national-security-violations-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Human Trafficking Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-human-trafficking-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Immigration Fraud Defense Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-immigration-fraud-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Federal Internet, Computer & Cyber Crimes Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-internet-computer-and-cyber-crimes-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Kidnapping Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-kidnapping-lawyer-missouri/) Federal RICO Charges Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-rico-charges-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Weapons and Firearm Offenses Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-weapons-firearm-offenses-lawyer-missouri/) Federal White Collar Crimes Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-white-collar-crimes-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Wire Fraud Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-wire-fraud-lawyer-missouri/)

3. 

   19 Nov 2025

   Federal Check and Credit Card Fraud Defense Lawyer in Missouri

   Federal Check and Credit Card Fraud Defense Lawyer serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and ALL of Missouri. 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 (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-check-credit-card-fraud-lawyer-missouri/) #federal #lawyer #attorney #defense #missouri #stlouis #kansascity #wirefraud 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. What Is Federal Check and Credit Card Fraud? 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. Related Federal Defense Pages Federal Crimes Lawyer Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-crimes-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Drug Charges Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-drug-charges-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-drug-trafficking-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Embezzlement Lawyer Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-embezzlement-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Espionage and National Security Violations Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-espionage-and-national-security-violations-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Human Trafficking Lawyer Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-human-trafficking-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Immigration Fraud Defense Lawyer Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-immigration-fraud-lawyer-st-louis-mo/) Federal Internet, Computer & Cyber Crimes Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-internet-computer-and-cyber-crimes-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Kidnapping Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-kidnapping-lawyer-missouri/) Federal RICO Charges Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-rico-charges-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Weapons and Firearm Offenses Lawyer Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-weapons-firearm-offenses-lawyer-missouri/) Federal White Collar Crimes Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-white-collar-crimes-lawyer-missouri/) Federal Wire Fraud Lawyer in Missouri (https://www.combswaterkotte.com/practice-areas/federal-wire-fraud-lawyer-missouri/)

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

88

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

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