Criminal Defense Attorney Ferguson, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Ferguson, MO. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, you know the gravity of the charges that you are facing. Just a conviction for a small infraction could cause you to pay an expensive fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend several years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system. And even following your release you will be further punished via loss of additional rights or privileges that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are barred from owning guns, running in an election, or holding certain jobs. Also, in many instances, you will be mandated to mark your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which usually heavily limits where they can work or live.

The experienced Ferguson, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many Ferguson-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm understands that people with good intetions can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense lawyers work to limit the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your ability to live life. Our record of success distinguishes us from other Ferguson criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of all that we do — just ask the satisfied Ferguson clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Ferguson, MO criminal case.

Ferguson, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is stressful in itself, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they demand a heightened amount of legal intelligence and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department regularly boasts that it has a conviction rate of around 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to get a guilty plea, make sure 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 Ferguson, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive outcomes for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Ferguson, 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 tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have protected many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Ferguson area and helped them 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 Ferguson, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, Missouri possess decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you will always get thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. You will always be able to reach and speak with the leading criminal defense attorney assigned to your case.

With your freedom and future on the line, it is imperative that you find a legal ally to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not put off speaking to a Ferguson area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Ferguson, 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 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 Ferguson, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

A criminal conviction for even a low class misdemeanor can leave you with a sizable fine, time to serve in jail, and/or years of supervised probation. When the crime is a felony, a conviction can have a much more significant impact on your life. You could lose years of your life serving time encarcerated in state prisons, and as a convicted felon you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are limited from owning 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 suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, you are not without options. 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. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Ferguson, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Ferguson, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Ferguson, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are categorized into five classes that reflect 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 – no more than 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 punishment you are sentenced to will be up to the judge. They will take into account factors such as 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, meaning a crime usually classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen for some defendants with 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. Conversely, with the representation and dedication of a talented Ferguson criminal defense attorney, what was originally a Class B felony could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a lesser punishment.

You may also be able to avoid a criminal conviction altogether, if you have the right circumstances and a diligent and skillful criminal defense attorney. If you have a strong case demonstrating your innocence but the prosecutor is not willing to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer will present your case meticulously to your peers in a jury trial, leaving the jury members to then determine whether or not you are guilty. Contact our Ferguson, 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 categorized into groups 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

Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can 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 Ferguson, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Ferguson, 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 Ferguson-based defense attorneys can help you through our excellent 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 written a traffic ticket in Ferguson, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Ferguson traffic ticket, you indirectly 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 dramatically increase. Tickets in general cannot be struck from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over once again during this period you could be looking at harsher penalties.

Many Ferguson drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Ferguson traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal knowledge to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Most importantly, our top-notch Ferguson traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Ferguson, MO and do not want it to hamper your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of fixing your Ferguson traffic ticket.

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

Finding the right Ferguson, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other Ferguson 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 get 24/7 access to the Ferguson criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you are facing criminal charges in Ferguson, from a simple traffic ticket for failing to properly signal to severe felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but before you call we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the experienced Ferguson, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.