St. Louis Attorneys for Criminal Defense, Probate, and Estate Matters

Trial-tested representation for clients across eastern Missouri.

Beal & Whitener LLP represents individuals and families in criminal defense, probate and estate planning, and select personal injury and civil matters — from St. Louis City and County to St. Charles, Jefferson, and more than twenty surrounding counties.

Call (314) 227-1014 for a confidential consultation.

A Firm Built on Two Complementary Strengths

Beal & Whitener pairs a seasoned criminal trial practice with a deep probate, estate, and civil practice. Clients work directly with the attorney handling their matter — not a rotating team — and benefit from experience earned in courtrooms across the region.

Criminal Defense

Our criminal practice is led by Joseph G. Whitener, a former Assistant Public Defender who has handled thousands of criminal cases and tried more than two dozen to a jury. His trial record includes acquittals in serious felony cases involving murder, rape, assault, robbery, and DWI. The firm represents clients at every stage — from pre-charge investigations and bond hearings through trial, appeal, and post-conviction relief — in both Missouri state courts and federal court.

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Probate, Estate Planning & Civil Matters

Our probate and civil practice is led by James E. Beal, who brings roughly two decades of experience in probate administration and contested litigation, guardianship and conservatorship, estate planning, and personal injury and civil disputes. A qualified Missouri civil and family mediator, he helps families resolve difficult matters efficiently — in negotiation where possible, and in the courtroom where necessary.

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Why Clients Choose Beal & Whitener

Genuine courtroom experience. Our attorneys try cases — from felony jury trials to contested probate hearings — rather than simply processing them.
Direct access to your attorney. You work with the lawyer handling your matter, from first call to final resolution.
Local knowledge. We appear regularly before judges and prosecutors throughout eastern Missouri and know how these courts operate.
Two practices, one standard. Whether your matter is criminal or civil, you receive the same focused, thorough advocacy.

Practice Areas

A Record In and Out of the Courtroom

We believe the best measure of a firm is its work. Representative results include acquittals in first-degree murder and armed-criminal-action cases, dismissals and reduced charges in serious felony matters, and a successful defense in a Sexually Violent Predator civil-commitment jury trial — an outcome few attorneys in Missouri have achieved.

See our case results →

Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its own facts.

Serving Eastern Missouri

From our office in Clayton, we represent clients throughout eastern Missouri, including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and more than twenty surrounding counties.

Contact Us Today

If you are facing criminal charges, managing a probate matter, or planning for your family's future, we are ready to help. Contact us for a confidential consultation.

Beal & Whitener LLP
120 S. Central Avenue, Suite 160
St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 227-1014