Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri. If you think a misdemeanor is no big deal in Kansas City, think again. You could go to jail, lose your job, and face numerous other consequences if you’re convicted. Finding a deal and/or fighting for your innocence is essential. And to do that, you need an expert Kansas City misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading criminal defense law firm and has handled thousands of cases, many just like yours. Our misdemeanor defense attorneys are dedicated to finding the best outcomes possible for each of our clients.
You deserve high-quality legal services, no matter what charge you’re facing. To start building your defense, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Why You Need a Leading Kansas City Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
If you’re being accused of a misdemeanor, your first reaction might be “Thank goodness it’s not a felony.” And while it is less serious than a felony, that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. A defense attorney can help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls when fighting your case.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- A prosecutor who’s focused on getting a conviction
- Days, weeks, or months of jail time
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- In some cases, the loss of your driver’s license
But when you work with a leading local defense attorney, you get:
- A defensive strategy tailored to your case
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Greatly increased chances of a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your defense matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And who you choose to represent you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to helping good people in bad situations, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Missouri?
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is pretty straightforward: a misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of less than a year in jail, while a felony can carry penalties of more than one year.
Missouri uses a system to classify different levels of misdemeanors and felonies, with class A being the most serious of each. Sometimes, lower-level felonies (class D or E) can be reduced to a misdemeanor when your defense attorney negotiates a favorable plea deal. You can learn more about the different classifications of misdemeanors below.
Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Escalations
Sometimes, the same action on paper can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
A good example of an alleged crime that could be either a misdemeanor or a felony is a DWI. In Missouri, a first-offense DWI is normally considered a misdemeanor. However, for a third alleged offense or further, DWI charges become felonies.
If you’re in a situation like this, you don’t just need a Kansas City misdemeanor defense lawyer. You need someone with experience as a felony charge lawyer who will fight for the lesser charge level.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Different Misdemeanor Classes in Missouri
Missouri law divides misdemeanors into four classes, each with its own possible penalties. Your misdemeanor defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight any of them. Below, you can read about the different categories and common examples of each in Kansas City:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors have the highest potential penalties, of up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Thefts of property between $150 and $750 in value, lesser assault charges, and resisting arrest.
Class B Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class B misdemeanors are not as serious as Class A misdemeanors, but the penalties can still be life-altering. A conviction could mean up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 in fines.
Examples: Speeding more than 20 mph over the limit, prostitution, and many forms of trespassing.
Class C Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class C misdemeanors offer the least amount of jail time, with a maximum of 15 days, but still can face steep fines of up to $750.
Examples: Running a red light, animal neglect, and littering.
Class D Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class D misdemeanors are the least serious in terms of punishment. They can carry a fine of up to $500, but no jail time.
Examples: Thefts of property under $150 in value, minor in possession of alcohol, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Regardless of what class your charge is, it’s important to work with an expert Kansas City misdemeanor defense lawyer to protect your rights and future. Without one, you could miss out on potential plea deals or plead guilty without understanding the consequences.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Kansas City: The process isn’t overly complicated. But it is important to get it right. An expert defense attorney can make the difference between a plea deal and months in jail.
Here’s how to evaluate your options and make a decision:
- Start contacting local Kansas City attorneys – Don’t wait while the prosecution gets a head start.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask about potential defense strategies – Ideally, your attorney should have an initial plan for how to defend you.
- Ask about local court connections – These can come in handy for securing plea deals.
- Ask about fees/pricing transparency – Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should be transparent when discussing fees, not evasive.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Research online for reviews and peer endorsements.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good criminal defense attorney.
Red Flags to Avoid
When deciding on your misdemeanor defense lawyer, you need to evaluate your options carefully. Red flags like a lack of experience, unrealistically positive expectations, and a lack of empathy should turn you away. Here’s why:
- Lack of Experience – If your attorney hasn’t defended cases similar to yours in the past, they may not know the most effective tactics.
- Unrealistically Positive Expectations – A lawyer with your best interests in mind will be honest with you, even if it’s news that you don’t want to hear.
- Lack of Empathy – Your attorney should treat you like a person, not a case number. A compassionate lawyer won’t settle for a “just good enough” outcome for clients.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers and Expungement in Kansas City
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Employment consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Firearm rights in domestic violence cases
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Kansas City, Missouri, there is no expiration date for misdemeanors. That said, for most misdemeanor convictions, you do have an option to clear your record: Expungement.
Expungement allows you to seal records of your arrest and conviction. This counteracts many of the collateral consequences of your conviction. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- The conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- You are not exceeding Missouri’s limit of three misdemeanor expungements in your lifetime.
- At least one year has passed since completing the sentence, and you have not had any further convictions in that time period.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should do more than just fight the charges in Kansas City court. They should guide you through any options after your case to set you up for success moving forward. Expungement can seem complicated on your own, but with the right attorney, it can turn your life around.
Get Help From an Expert Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today: Call Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte takes Kansas City criminal defense seriously, from class D misdemeanors all the way up to class A felonies. When you work with us, you’re getting an expert misdemeanor defense lawyer who is dedicated to finding you the best outcome possible.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations, and are ready to fight for your rights. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us how we can help you online.
