Criminal Defense Attorney Lewis County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Lewis County, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you do not need to be told the gravity of the charges that you are facing. Even being convicted of a small misdemeanor could cause you to pay a hefty fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend several years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend a number of years locked up in the Missouri state prisons, but following your release you will be further punished via loss of certain rights or privileges that most citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning guns, running in an election, or holding specific jobs. Also, in many situations, you will be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which often heavily limits where they can live or work.

The skilled Lewis County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many men and women rise above criminal convictions in the Lewis County, MO area. Our firm knows that sometimes good people can have a stroke of misfortune, and our criminal defense firm works to minimize the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your freedom, reputation, and life. Our record of winning distinguishes us from other Lewis County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of everything we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Lewis County clients who have worked with Combs Waterkotte. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Lewis County, MO criminal case.

Lewis County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is intimidating enough, but criminal charges at the federal level require an extra stage of legal acumen and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department regularly touts that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. The vast 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 pull out all the stops to coax a guilty plea, make sure 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 Lewis County, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting favorable outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Lewis County, MO is not afraid to square off against any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight passionately on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Lewis County area and helped them put what is an unquestionably 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 Lewis County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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 criminal defense firm, you will always receive thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. Whether 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 very life hanging in the balance, you need someone to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait reaching out to a Lewis County 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 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 Lewis County, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

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 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 so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or obtaining certain types of employment. 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 believe you are likely to be convicted, all hope is not lost. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be able to request a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Lewis County, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Lewis County, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Lewis County, Missouri

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 – no more than four years in prison

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact punishment you are sentenced to is up to the judge. The judge in your case will weigh factors such as the situation surrounding the crime, your personal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, so a crime usually 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. Likewise, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Lewis County representing you, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lower felony, a felony charge 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 you have a strong case demonstrating your innocence 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 to find you guilty. Contact our Lewis County, 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 categorized based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, the maximum punishment allowed for a misdemeanor is a year in jail, and in many cases no jail time is required, but rather the payment of a fine.

• 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 in certain cases. 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 Lewis County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Lewis 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 defense attorneys in the Lewis County, MO area 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 written a traffic ticket in Lewis County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you decide to pay your Lewis County traffic ticket, you indirectly plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the severity 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 usually cannot be expunged from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be subject to increased penalties.

A growing number of Lewis County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Lewis County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal knowledge to every one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly 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 error. Most importantly, our premier Lewis County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, allowing you access to quality legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County traffic ticket fixed.

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

Selecting the right Lewis County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time incarcerated. Unlike other Lewis 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 receive 24/7 access to the Lewis County criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Lewis County, from a simple traffic ticket for an improper lane change to severe felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but before you call we invite you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the skilled Lewis County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.