St. Louis criminal defense attorney protecting your future

Comprehensive defense for all criminal charges

Serving St. Louis County and surrounding areas

At The Law Offices of Stephen A. Zarky, a criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis represents clients in every kind of case, from misdemeanors to high-stakes felonies. Stephen does not turn cases away. He handles assaults, sex offenses, drug charges, theft, weapons, probation violations, and more in courts across Clayton, downtown St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin. When you need a plan after an arrest near the Arch grounds, a stop on I-64 or I-70, or a warrant in municipal court, you will speak directly with Stephen and get practical guidance you can act on today. Many clients start by asking for a free consultation to understand timelines, risks, and likely outcomes.

Person in orange jumpsuit has hands clasped, being comforted by a person in a suit, both at a table with legal documents.

Why choose Stephen Zarky for your defense

Local insight, real trial experience, personal attention

Briefcase with scales, representing legal or justice services.

Former Public Defender With Local Insights

Stephen served in Jefferson County and St. Louis County, learning courtroom pacing, local rules, and how juries think in this part of Missouri.

A gavel striking a block, representing a legal or judicial process.

Ready For Trial When Others Are Not

Trial readiness changes negotiations. When the State knows the defense will put them to their proof, offers improve.

Hand holding a speech bubble.

Personal Attention And Honest Advice

You work with Stephen from start to finish. Calls are returned quickly, strategy is explained, and you always know what comes next.

Legal career and experience

Learning the courtroom the right way

Handcuffed person with hands clasped on a table, another person's arm and papers visible.

Violent Crimes

Defense for assault, robbery, and related allegations, with strategies that address self-defense and witness credibility.

Sex Offenses

Discreet, thorough defense for rape, sexual assault, and child sex accusations, including analysis of digital evidence and interviews.

DWI & Traffic

From a first DWI to driving while suspended, protect your license and record. If your arrest started with a traffic stop on I-270 or Highway 40, DWI defense should begin immediately to preserve your rights.

Drug Charges

Possession, distribution, and intent cases with search and seizure challenges and careful review of lab procedures. Many readers compare outcomes for drug charges before calling; Stephen can explain likely ranges based on local practice.

Other Matters

Theft, burglary, white-collar issues, gun cases, probation violations, and expungement eligibility where appropriate.

What to expect when you are facing charges

Clear steps from first call to resolution

01.

Free Consultation & Case Evaluation

You explain what happened and what paperwork you received. Stephen reviews charges, deadlines, and bond status, then outlines options and costs in plain language.

02.

Investigation & Building a Defense

Expect a thorough look at police reports, videos, and witness statements. A former public defender in our region, Stephen understands how local police and prosecutors work and how to challenge weak evidence.

03.

Negotiation or Trial

If a fair resolution is on the table, he will tell you. If not, he is ready to move toward trial. Prosecutors know which lawyers will try cases, which often leads to better negotiations. If your case is set in Hillsboro or Clayton, you will benefit from Stephen’s familiarity with those venues and judges.

Answers people search for in Missouri criminal cases

Straight talk for common concerns

  • Should I talk to police without a lawyer?

    No. Use your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Speaking on your own can close off defenses you might need later.

  • What is the difference between a public defender and hiring Stephen?

    Public defenders are dedicated but often overloaded. When you hire Stephen, you choose your attorney and get more time, faster communication, and strategy built around your goals.

  • Can a lawyer still help if I am guilty?

    Yes. A lawyer can reduce charges, seek alternatives to jail, challenge illegal searches, and present mitigation that changes outcomes.

For people charged in Clayton or in municipal courts around the county, it often helps to start with St. Louis County specific guidance about calendars and plea settings.