Criminal Defense Attorney California, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in California, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you know the gravity of the charges that you are facing. Just being convicted of a small infraction could force you to pay a sizable fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only are you at risk of several years in the Missouri state prisons. And even after your reentry into society you will no longer be entitled to additional privileges or rights that most people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, running in an election, or holding specific jobs. In addition, in many instances, you could be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually drastically curtails where they can live or work.

The skilled California, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many people overcome criminal convictions in the California, MO area. Our firm understands that sometimes good people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your ability to live life. Our impressive history of winning cases distinguishes us from other California criminal defense law firms, and we pride ourselves on the special focus we place on our personalized touch and availability to our clients — hear it firsthand from the satisfied California clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your California, MO criminal case.

California, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is intimidating in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level demand a heightened level of legal acumen and care. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Department of Justice regularly brags that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. The overwhelming majority of those convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will use the full arsenal of resources at their disposal to coax a guilty plea, guarantee that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and resign you to live the rest of your life with a federal criminal conviction.

At Combs Waterkotte, our California, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and winning positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near California, MO is not scared to square off against any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have protected many California-area residents who were facing all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an unquestionably troubling experience behind them. Read more about our expertise in federal criminal cases and what makes federal criminal cases different from state and municipal cases.

A Full-Service California, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled California, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, such as:

• Motor Vehicle Tampering
• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Theft/Larceny
• Probation Violations
• Drug Charges and Possession

The criminal defense attorneys of Combs Waterkotte based in California, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you can rest assured that you will always receive quality customer service and a thoughtful defense strategy. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your freedom and future in jeopardy, you need a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not put off talking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges in California, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward building a sound approach to your case and allowing you to breathe you to breathe a little easier as we tackle the looming uncertainty of an impending criminal court proceeding. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to talk to a California, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. When the crime is a felony, a conviction can have a much more significant impact on your life. You may be sentenced to years in the state prison system, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are barred from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. Also, in many cases, as a felon you are forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which is an obvious limination to achieving a productive, fruitful life.

If you are already a felon or believe you are likely to be convicted, do not panic. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be able to seek a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in California, MO to learn about how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our California, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in California, Missouri

In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes that reflect the severity of the crime. Based on what class felony you are convicted of, the punishment will vary.

• Class A Felony – minimum of 10 years and no more than 30 years in prison, or life in prison
• Class B Felony – at least five but no more than 15 years in prison
• Class C Felony – between three and 10 years in prison
• Class D Felony – no more than seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison

In the end, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case is influenced by a variety of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact punishment you are sentenced to is determined by the judge. The judge in your case will weigh factors such as the situation surrounding the crime, your criminal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, so what is usually considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen if you have prior convictions or for crimes that are determined to have been carried out due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. On the other hand, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in California representing you, your original Class B charge could be reduced to a lower felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain a less serious.

You may also be able to have the charged dropped completely, if you have the right circumstances and a diligent and skillful criminal defense attorney. If your case for your innocence is sound but the prosecutor is not willing to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer will take the fight to trial where they will present your case to a jury of your peers who will then decide whether or not you are guilty. Contact our California, MO felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are grouped into categories based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, the maximum punishment allowed for a misdemeanor is a year in jail, and in many cases no jail time is required, but rather the payment of a fine.

• Class A Misdemeanor – up to one year in jail; a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor – up to six months in jail; a fine of up to $1,000
• Class C Misdemeanor – up to 15 days in jail; a fine of up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor – a fine of up to $500

The classification of a misdemeanor can also be enhanced based upon the circumstances or your criminal history. However, you can often avoid jail time for misdemeanors and instead agree to a period of supervision known as probation. You may also be required to meet additional requirements as a condition of your probation, such as community service or competition of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Misdemeanors are not to be taken lightly, but are not as serious as felony convictions and a good criminal defense attorney can help you get an outcome that is minimally disruptive to your life and allows you to move forward in a positive light. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and your options with a defense attorney near California, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In California, MO

Did you know Combs Waterkotte also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have not been accused of committing a criminal act, our California-based defense attorneys can help you through our expert traffic law services. Affordable and effective as attorneys against traffic tickets, do not let our record of success in difficult criminal cases intimidate you or dissuade you from hiring us for top traffic ticket legal representation.

Being written a traffic ticket in California, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your California traffic ticket, you indirectly plead guilty to the charges you were accused of and they go on your driving record. Depending on the degree of your offense, you could be looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will greatly increase. Tickets generally cannot be struck from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be subject to harsher penalties.

Many California drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their California traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal acumen to every one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works without rest to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, do not stay on your record or affect insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Best of all, our exceptional California traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in California, MO and do not want it to stay on your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of getting your California traffic ticket fixed.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading California, MO area attorneys of Combs Waterkotte have the skill and expertise you need from your lawyer in any criminal or personal injury case. Learn more about the types of cases we win below.

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

Hire Your California, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right California, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other California defense attorneys, our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be sure that you will have anytime access to the California criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are looking at criminal charges in California, from a small traffic ticket for speeding to serious felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the driven California, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.