How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does John offer a free consultation?

John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can John take my case if I'm outside St Louis?

John 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 — John 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 John?

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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

John Schleiffarth, Criminal Defense Attorney in St Louis, Missouri

Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.9/5 rating from 25 verified client reviews

Attorney and FounderatJCS Law

St Louis, MO

Practicing criminal defense in St Louis since 2010.

16+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 25 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DUI/DWI Federal Crimes General Probation +3 more →

Are you John Schleiffarth?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

John Schleiffarth is an attorney and founder based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. John has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at JCS Law. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.

Based in: St. Louis, MO
Experience: over 16 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from St. Louis, MO.
Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by John Schleiffarth

John concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, federal crimes, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in St Louis, Missouri

John 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 John agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in St Louis, Missouri

John takes drug crimes 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 John agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in St Louis, Missouri

John 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 John agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in St Louis, Missouri

John takes federal crimes 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 John agrees to represent you.

General cases in St Louis, Missouri

John 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 John agrees to represent you.

Biography

About John Schleiffarth — Over 16 years of Missouri criminal defense experience

John Schleiffarth is a third-generation native of the Saint Louis area and a proud graduate of Kirkwood High School. As an accomplished attorney, John is recognized for his commitment to excellence in criminal defense, earning accolades such as the Super Lawyers Rising Star designation and being named one of the “10 Best” DWI Attorneys in Missouri for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of DUI Attorneys. He has also received multiple Client Choice Awards from Avvo.com and the Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award. John’s professional insights have been featured in prominent media outlets including St. Louis Public Radio, St. Louis Magazine, and NPR. He actively participates in esteemed organizations such as the Federal Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Outside the courtroom, John is deeply involved in his church and enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and son. His dedication to clients and community, combined with his experience and recognition, make him a trusted advocate in the Saint Louis legal community.

Working with John on a criminal defense matter

Who John represents

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.

Credentials

John Schleiffarth's legal education and bar admissions

Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
J.D. · 2010
Brigham Young University
B.A. International · 2005

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2010 · ACTIVE
Missouri
2010 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and B.A. International in Brigham Young University.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and B.A. International in Brigham Young University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

John Schleiffarth's office in St. Louis

John's primary office is at 120 S Central Avenue, Suite 1550, St. Louis, MO, 63105. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

JCS Law

120 S Central Avenue, Suite 1550

St. Louis, MO 63105

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John Schleiffarth — 4.9/5 rating from 25 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in St Louis.

4.9

25 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Schleiffarth claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Schleiffarth — 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 John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John 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 John

John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John'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 John Schleiffarth

How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside St Louis?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Missouri residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like John Schleiffarth. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Arizona

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri

John 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

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in St Louis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

John Schleiffarth, Criminal Defense Attorney in St Louis, Missouri

Quick answer

Practice areas handled by John Schleiffarth