Criminal Defense Attorney in Clayton, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Clayton, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you know the weight of the charges that you are facing. Just a conviction for a small crime could force you to pay an expensive fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend several years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend multiple years locked up in the Missouri state prison system, but following your release from prison you will be further punished via loss of additional privileges or rights that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning guns, running for office, or holding specific occupations. Also, in many situations, you will be mandated to share your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually heavily curtails where they can work or live.

The winning Clayton, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many men and women overcome criminal convictions in the Clayton, MO area. Our firm understands that people with good intetions can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your ability to live life. Our record of winning distinguishes us from other Clayton criminal defense law firms, and we pride ourselves on the special focus we place on our personalized touch and availability to our clients — just ask the satisfied Clayton clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Clayton, MO criminal case.

Clayton, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is intimidating enough, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they require an extra amount of legal intelligence and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department often brags that it has a conviction rate of around 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out every trick in the book to coax a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a federal prison, and resign you to live the rest of your life with a federal criminal conviction.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Clayton, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive outcomes for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Clayton, MO is not scared to square off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many Clayton-area residents who were looking at all manner of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably harrowing experience in their rear-view mirror. Read more about our expertise in federal criminal cases and what makes federal criminal cases different from state and municipal cases.

A Full-Service Clayton, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Clayton, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, including:

• 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 Clayton, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you will always receive thoughtful, personalized counsel. Regardless of whether you are facing 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 very life in jeopardy, you need a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not procrastinate reaching out to a Clayton area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building your case and lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to speak to a criminal defense attorney in Clayton, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. For felony charges, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. You could lose years of your life serving time in the state prison system, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or obtaining certain types of employment. 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 often severely limits where you can work or live.

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 for certain cases you may be able to seek a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Clayton, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Clayton, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Clayton, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories based on the severity. 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 – a maximum of seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case is influenced by a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment is up to the judge. The judge in your case will take into account information including the specific circumstances of the crime, your personal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, so what is typically considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied if you have prior convictions or in certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with the representation and dedication of a talented Clayton criminal defense attorney, your original Class B charge could be dropped down to a lower class felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you 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 refuses to drop the charges, your criminal defense lawyer with Combs Waterkotte will present your case meticulously to your peers in a jury trial, leaving the jury members to then decide whether or not to find you guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Clayton, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are categorized into groups based on severity. Rather than time in state prison and possible parole supervision, misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one year in county or city jail or may just involve fines.

• 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 Clayton, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Clayton, MO

Did you know that Combs Waterkotte can also help you resolve traffic tickets and other traffic law matters? Even if you have not been accused of committing a criminal act, our defense attorneys in the Clayton, MO area 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 Clayton, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Clayton traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges you were pulled over for and they go on your driving record. Depending on the type 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 usually cannot be struck from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over another time during this period you could be looking at increased penalties.

A growing number of Clayton drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Clayton traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal acumen to all its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or influence insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Most importantly, our exceptional Clayton traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, allowing you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Clayton, MO and do not want it to hamper your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and begin the process of getting your Clayton traffic ticket fixed.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Clayton, 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.

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

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

Choosing the right Clayton, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Clayton defense attorneys, our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will receive round-the-clock access to the Clayton criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter the circumstances, the place, or the hour, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Clayton, from a small moving violation for an improper lane change to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but preceding that we invite you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the experienced Clayton, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.