Criminal Defense Attorney Cooper County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Cooper County, MO. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, you know the weight of the charges that you are facing. Just a conviction for a small infraction could force you to pay an expensive fine, serve time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend several years in the Missouri state prison system. And even after your release from prison you will continue to pay through the loss of additional rights or privileges that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are banned from owning firearms, running for office, or holding certain occupations. In addition, in many instances, you will be required to mark your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually heavily limits where they can live or work.

The winning Cooper County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many people rise above criminal convictions in the Cooper County, MO area. Our firm realizes that sometimes good people can have a stroke of misfortune, and our criminal defense lawyers work to limit the effect a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our impressive history of winning cases is notable among Cooper County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of all that we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Cooper County 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 Cooper County, MO criminal case.

Cooper County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is a scary enough proposition, but criminal charges at the federal level require a heightened caliber of legal knowledge and focus. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department often boasts that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. The overwhelming majority of those convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will stop at nothing to coax a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a federal prison, and have a federal conviction on your record for the rest of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Cooper County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Cooper County, MO is not afraid to face off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Cooper County area and helped them 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 Cooper County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Cooper County, 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 Cooper County, Missouri have decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive quality customer service and a thoughtful defense strategy. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You will always be able to reach and speak with the leading criminal defense attorney assigned to your case.

With your very life in jeopardy, it is imperative that you find someone to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not put off talking to a Cooper County area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Cooper County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, 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 get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Cooper County, MO about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

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 encarcerated in state prisons, and as a convicted felon you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. Also, in many cases, as a felon you are required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on job or rental applications, which is an obvious impairment to living a successful, lawful life.

If you have already received a felony conviction 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 eligible to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Cooper County, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Cooper County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Cooper County, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are categorized into five classes based on the severity. Based on the class of your felony conviction, 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 – a maximum of four years in prison

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise terms of your punishment will be determined by the judge. The judge in your case will take into account information including 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 a crime usually 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 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 the representation and dedication of a talented Cooper County criminal defense attorney, your original Class B charge could be reduced to a lesser class felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a less severe.

In some cases with the right circumstances and the skill of an experienced defense attorney, you can have the charges dropped entirely. If you have a strong case but the prosecutor is not willing to drop the charges, your criminal defense lawyer with Combs Waterkotte will take the fight to trial where they will present your case to a jury of your peers who will then determine whether or not you are guilty. Contact our Cooper County, MO felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

As with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are classified based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, 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 in certain cases. However, in misdemeanor cases your defense attorney can often help you avoid serving jail time in favor of 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 Cooper County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Cooper County, 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 Cooper County-based defense attorneys can help you through our expert traffic ticket legal 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 given a traffic ticket in Cooper County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you decide to pay your Cooper County traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges you were pulled over for and they go on your driving record. Depending on the severity of your offense, you could be facing a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will dramatically increase. Tickets generally cannot be removed 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 stiffer penalties.

A growing number of Cooper County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Cooper County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal intelligence to every one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works without rest to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or affect insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Most importantly, our top-notch Cooper County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional 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 written a traffic ticket in Cooper County, 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 begin the process of fixing your Cooper County traffic ticket.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Cooper County, 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 Cooper County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Choosing the right Cooper County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time incarcerated. Unlike other Cooper County defense attorneys, our firm places absolute satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will get round-the-clock access to the Cooper County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are facing criminal charges in Cooper County, from a small moving violation for speeding to federal felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but before that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the experienced Cooper County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.