Criminal Defense Attorney Forsyth, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Forsyth, MO. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, you understand the grave nature of the charges that you are facing. Just a conviction for a minor misdemeanor could cause you to pay a hefty fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend several years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only increases these consequences: not only are you at risk of several years encarcerated in the Missouri state prisons, but following your release from prison you will be further punished via loss of additional privileges or rights that most citizens assume they will always have. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding specific occupations. In addition, in many situations, you will be required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually drastically curtails where they can work or live.

The experienced Forsyth, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Forsyth-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can encounter hard times, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the effect a criminal conviction has on your life, freedom, and reputation. Our record of winning distinguishes us from other Forsyth criminal defense law firms, and we pride ourselves on the special focus we place on our personalized touch and availability to our clients — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Forsyth clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Forsyth, MO criminal case.

Forsyth, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is intimidating in itself, but when the charges you are facing are federal charges, they require a heightened level of legal acumen and care. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department regularly brags that it has a conviction rate of around 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to get a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and resign you to live the rest of your life with a federal criminal conviction.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Forsyth, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting favorable results for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Forsyth, MO is not scared to take on any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many Forsyth-area residents who were looking at all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably troubling 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 Forsyth, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, Missouri have decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from our hard-working St. Louis criminal defense firm, you can rest assured that you will always get dedicated service and individual attention and care. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. You can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your freedom and future in jeopardy, it is imperative that you find a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not procrastinate talking to a Forsyth area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy 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 Forsyth, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor could result in a sizable fine, county jail time, and/or years of supervised probation. When the crime is a felony, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. 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. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are prohibited from purchasing or possessing 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 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, all hope is not lost. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be able to request a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Forsyth, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Forsyth, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Forsyth, Missouri

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 – a maximum of seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – a maximum of four years in prison

In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact punishment you are sentenced to will be up to the judge. The judge in your case will weigh information such as the specific circumstances of 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 what is typically considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen for some defendants with 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. On the other hand, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Forsyth representing you, your original Class B charge could be dropped down to a lesser class felony, a felony 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 your case for your innocence is sound but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer 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 Forsyth, MO felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are classified 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. As conditions of your probation sentence, you may be required to fulfill additional requirements 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 Forsyth, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Forsyth, 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 defense attorneys in the Forsyth, MO area can help you through our excellent 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 Forsyth, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you decide to pay your Forsyth traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges you were accused of and they go on your driving record. Depending on the type of your offense, you could be facing a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets in general cannot be struck from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be looking at stiffer penalties.

A growing number of Forsyth drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Forsyth traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal knowledge to every single one of 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, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our premier Forsyth traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, allowing you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been written a traffic ticket in Forsyth, 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 getting your Forsyth traffic ticket fixed.

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

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

Choosing the right Forsyth, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time behind bars. Unlike other Forsyth defense attorneys, our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be sure that you will receive round-the-clock access to the Forsyth 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 are looking at criminal charges in Forsyth, from a simple moving violation for failing to properly signal to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Give us a call 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 Forsyth, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.