Joseph Peggs Welch
also known as Joseph Welch, Joe Welch
About Joseph
Biography
Joseph Welch has the reputation as an extremely aggressive criminal defense lawyer who takes several cases to trial every year and doesn't settle for the first lousy plea bargain the government offers. He fights every case like it was his own and gets results.
In addition to being the president of Greater St. Louis NORML, he is on the board of directors and a founding member of the new St. Louis chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers, and a graduate of the Missouri Bar CLE's Advanced Trial College. He has been a member of NORML since 2006.
Joseph Welch's office is in the Historic Dickmann Building in south St. Louis, but he handles cases all over the state of Missouri. He has been especially active in the decriminalization of marijuana in the City of St. Louis and the lead attorney in the Occupy St. Louis cases, winning several acquittals for his clients.
Visit his website for a free online consultation with a quick response.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Missouri for 24 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Freeallprisoners.com
Central St, Meetings by appointment only, Kansas City, MO, 64112
Freeallprisoners.com
South Grand Blvd, Meetings by appointment only, Saint Louis, MO, 63118
Freeallprisoners.com
Main St, Meetings by appointment only, Hermann, MO, 65041
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Joseph Peggs Welch's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sasha | April 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
He will fight for you like family!
Joseph Welch really went above and beyond for me and I would absolutely recommend him. He got my case dismissed completely, and kept me updated the entire time. To say I’m relieved is an understatement, as this charge was weighing heavy on me for almost a year. Joe didn’t just fight for me like a hir...
Posted by RJ | September 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Took our money and ran.......
Great start, just did not do anything he said he was going to do. No calls, text, or emails. Just turned into ghost.
Posted by Andy | October 4, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I wish I could give 10 stars!
Joe represented me on a 6 count felony grand jury indictment. the prosecutor said to joe, I looked you up and you like to go to trial. Joe replies. ‘I live for it’. He is careful and I love that he doesn’t carry a briefcase or even a pen and paper. He’s got all the info he needs in his head. My case...
Posted by -C | September 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Words aren't enough!
I never thought I'd find myself in the situation I'm in, but Joe has been incredible these last five months. He's worked very hard to make sure things go well for me and getting me the results I'm hoping for. We aren't through yet, but I know that with Joe by my side, I'll come out on the right side ...
Posted by Georgia | November 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Joseph helped me many years ago!
He did an awesome job, for a fair price. I would recommend him to anyone!
Joseph Peggs Welch's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tough, compassionate attorney. Doesn't back down from a fight. Really cares about his clients."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joe Welch is not afraid of a trial. If you have a complicated case, no problem. This guy will fight for you with his bare hands if he has to. Nice guy and a confident lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Welch is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"One of the most tenacious criminal defense attorneys I've met in my 25+ years of law practice. If you have Joe Welch on your case, you are well-represented."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Joe on criminal matters. He knows the rules better than any other lawyer I know. If you want to beat your case, call Joe."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top One Percent, National League of Renowned Attorneys
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
TOP 10 Attorney Award for the state of Missouri, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
"Skilled Defense Lawyer", St. Louis Evening Whirl
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
"10 Best" Criminal Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
1986
Presidential Academic Award, Ronald Reagan
Work Experience
2002 - Present
Attorney, Joseph P. Welch, Attorney at Law
2006 - 2012
Attorney, Derald Gab, P.C.
Associations
2014 - Present
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
Missouri Civil Liberties AssociationMember
2012 - Present
National Lawyers GuildMember
2006 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
NORML Legal CommitteeMember
2006 - Present
Greater St. Louis NORMLMember
1998 - Present
American Civil Liberties UnionMember
2013 - 2015
National Lawyers Guild - St. LouisBoard of Directors
2011 - 2014
Greater St. Louis NORMLPresident
2010 - 2013
Missouri Association of Trial AttorneysMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Complete dismissal by prosecutor
Felony reduced to misdemeanor
Probation for minor felony without sex-offender registration
Dismissed with prejudice
Acquittal for both clients on all charges - the jury high-fived my clients and their friends outside the courthouse afterwards.
All charges reduced to misdemeanors with a small fine just before our trial date.
Case dismissed after hung jury.
Acquittal
Education
2000
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Criminal Defense
2015
2013
2013
Criminal Defense - Notes on the Protester's Criminal Case
2010
Marijuana Law
Publications
2017
2014
2014
2014
2014
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
How can someone be arrested for " selling drugs " if there is no drug evidence just suspicious behavior?
11 Apr 2019
How long can you be held in jail before arraignment hearing in Missouri?
12 Jun 2014
I registered a low BAC (.033) on my ignition interlock device, but I don't have probation. Will I get in trouble with the state?
27 Feb 2014