Ott Law Firm
All Practice Areas

Criminal Law

Tenacious criminal defense for individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges in state and federal court.

A criminal charge is one of the most serious events a person can face. Your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake, and you need an attorney who will defend your constitutional rights with skill and determination. Ott Law Firm provides robust criminal defense representation for individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Missouri and Illinois state courts, as well as federal court. From DUI and drug offenses to white-collar crimes and violent felonies, we handle the full spectrum of criminal matters with the seriousness they deserve.

At Ott Law Firm, we approach every criminal case by conducting an independent investigation of the facts, scrutinizing the government's evidence for constitutional violations, and developing a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. We are well-versed in suppression motions, plea negotiations, jury selection, and trial advocacy. Our St. Louis attorneys understand how local prosecutors and courts operate, giving our clients a meaningful advantage from the outset. We also handle post-conviction relief, including appeals and motions to vacate, for clients who were not adequately represented or where new evidence has emerged.

We know that criminal accusations can arise from misunderstandings, false allegations, or overzealous law enforcement — and we treat every client with dignity and without judgment. Prompt action is critical in criminal cases, as evidence can disappear and witnesses' memories fade quickly. Contact Ott Law Firm as soon as possible after an arrest or investigation begins. We are available around the clock for urgent matters and will be at your side from the first court appearance through the resolution of your case.


Schedule Your Free Consultation

Don't face criminal charges alone. Attorney Joseph Ott has decades of experience defending clients against misdemeanor and felony charges in Missouri and federal court.

Call today: (314) 710-2740 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Recent Missouri Opinions

Missouri appellate decisions currently tagged to this practice area.

State of Missouri, Respondent, v. James McGregory, Appellant.

Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern DistrictMar 10, 2026affirmed

McGregory appealed his convictions for domestic assault in the third degree and property damage in the second degree, raising unpreserved claims of error regarding evidence admissibility and the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund judgment amount. The court affirmed the convictions but modified the CVC judgment amount, finding the trial court entered a judgment in excess of that authorized by law.

STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent v. RUSSELL KENNETH CLANCY, Appellant

Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern DistrictFeb 25, 2026affirmed

The court affirmed Clancy's conviction for second-degree assault against a special victim after a jury trial. The evidence was sufficient to prove that Clancy punched an elderly civilian in the face and struck a police officer during an altercation at a laundromat, supporting the conviction under Missouri statute § 565.052.3.

State of Missouri, Respondent, vs. James Willis Peters, Appellant.

Supreme Court of MissouriFeb 24, 2026remanded

James Willis Peters appealed his conviction for driving while intoxicated as a chronic offender, challenging whether the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that all four of his prior offenses were intoxication-related traffic offenses. The court found the state failed to sufficiently prove his 2002 offense was an IRTO and therefore vacated the judgment and remanded for resentencing.