Steps to Take When You’re Charged with a Felony in Missouri If you have been charged with a felony in Missouri, it is completely normal to feel scared and uncertain about what will happen next. However, there are important steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your future.
The first step you should take is to speak with a Missouri criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
When you are looking for experienced criminal defense you can trust, you can depend on Combs Waterkotte and our track record that includes over 10,000 cases handled and more than 400 positive Google reviews. Call (314) 900-HELP today or contact us online for a free consultation.
What This Guide Covers
In this blog, we explain:
- Why remaining silent and hiring a Missouri criminal defense attorney is critical
- How felony charges are classified in Missouri
- Why complying with bond and release conditions is essential
- What to expect in the Missouri criminal court process
- How evidence can impact your defense
- Possible criminal defense strategies
Charged with a Felony in Missouri? Important Steps to Take
If you have been charged with a felony offense in Missouri, taking the right actions early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Below are several important steps to consider.
Remain Quiet and Hire a Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney
After being arrested for a crime, it is imperative that you invoke your right to remain silent and retain the services of a Missouri criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Remaining silent means you have the right to refuse questioning from law enforcement to avoid self-incrimination. You do not have to speak with officers until your lawyer is present.
Law enforcement officers are required to inform you of your Miranda rights when you are taken into custody. You must clearly state that you are invoking your right to remain silent until your attorney is present.
Even statements you believe minimize your involvement in a crime can be used against you as evidence. For this reason, it is always best to wait until you have legal representation before answering any questions.
Understand the Felony Charge Against You
Missouri law categorizes felony offenses into several classes, with Class A felonies being the most serious and Class E felonies being the least severe.
- Class A felonies: Can include murder, kidnapping, and rape. These charges carry a potential sentence of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment.
- Class B felonies: May include robbery, manslaughter, or drug distribution. These offenses can result in 5 to 15 years of imprisonment.
- Class C felonies: Can include second-degree assault, theft, or certain weapon offenses. These charges carry a possible sentence of 3 to 10 years in prison.
- Class D felonies: May include resisting arrest, a third-offense DWI, or forgery. These offenses can result in up to 7 years in prison.
- Class E felonies: May involve stalking, certain property crimes, or passing bad checks. These offenses carry a possible sentence of up to 4 years in prison.
The specific felony charge you face will influence the defense strategies used in your case.
Comply with All Bond and Release Conditions
After a felony arrest, a judge will determine whether you are eligible for release and what bond conditions will apply.
Factors the court may consider include:
- The seriousness of the alleged offense
- Your criminal history
- Whether you are considered a flight risk
- Potential risks to public safety
Felony bonds can range from several thousand dollars to more than $100,000. Payment is typically made directly to the court or through a
If you are released, the court may impose several conditions, including:
- Travel restrictions: Limiting travel to within Missouri or a specific area
- Supervision: Regular check-ins with probation officers or pretrial services
- Electronic monitoring: GPS ankle monitors or alcohol detection devices
- Compliance requirements: Drug testing, curfews, or employment requirements
- No-contact orders: Prohibiting communication with alleged victims or witnesses
Having an experienced criminal defense attorney can help ensure you understand and comply with these conditions so you do not jeopardize your case.
Learn What to Expect in the Missouri Criminal Court Process
After a felony arrest in Missouri, several stages typically occur in the criminal court process.
- Initial booking: You may be taken to jail where law enforcement records personal information, fingerprints you, takes a mugshot, and inventories your personal property.
- Arraignment: Usually within about 48 hours, you appear before a judge who informs you of the charges. You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing: This hearing determines whether probable cause exists for the felony charges. It generally occurs within 30 days of the arraignment if you are in custody and within 60 days if you are not.
- Pretrial phase: During this stage, attorneys review evidence, negotiate possible plea agreements, and file legal motions that may challenge certain evidence or procedures.
- Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Gather Evidence That May Strengthen Your Defense
When you hire an experienced Missouri criminal defense attorney, they can carefully examine all of the evidence involved in your case and identify evidence that may help support your defense.
Evidence that could strengthen your case may include:
- Digital records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Forensic evidence
- Statements or confessions
- Surveillance footage
At Combs Waterkotte, our Missouri criminal defense lawyers thoroughly examine whether all evidence was legally obtained. If evidence was gathered unlawfully, we may be able to suppress it in court.
We also evaluate the reliability of witness statements and other forms of evidence that prosecutors may build their case upon.
Explore Possible Criminal Defense Strategies
Every criminal case is unique, and the defense strategy used will depend on factors such as the specific charges involved and whether you have a prior criminal record.
Common criminal defense strategies may include:
- Challenging the prosecution’s evidence
- Presenting an alibi
- Demonstrating lack of intent
- Establishing self-defense
- Arguing insanity
- Claiming entrapment
- Identifying procedural violations
- Asserting violations of constitutional rights
Speak with a Missouri Felony Defense Attorney Today
A felony charge can have serious consequences and potentially change the course of your life. Seeking experienced criminal defense representation as soon as possible is essential to protecting your rights.
At Combs Waterkotte, we combine extensive legal knowledge with a personalized approach that ensures every client receives the attention their case deserves.
Contact our Missouri criminal defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, and let us begin building your defense.
