Criminal Defense Attorney Rolla, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Rolla, MO. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you do not need to be told that the situation is a serious ordeal. Even being convicted of a minor infraction could force you to pay a large fine, serve time in county jail, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only increases these consequences: not only are you at risk of multiple years in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your release you will no longer enjoy certain privileges or rights that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are banned from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding specific occupations. Also, in many instances, you will be forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often drastically limits where they can work or live.

The winning Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many men and women overcome criminal allegations in the Rolla, MO area. Our firm understands that sometimes good people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the effect criminal charges have on your freedom, reputation, and life. Our impressive history of winning cases is notable among Rolla 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 Rolla clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Rolla, MO criminal case.

Rolla, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is a scary enough proposition, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they demand an extra level of legal intelligence and dilligence. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win at all costs: the U.S. Justice Department regularly advertises that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to coax a guilty plea, guarantee 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 Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive outcomes for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Rolla, MO is not afraid to square 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 Rolla-area residents who were looking at all manner of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is a certainly 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 Rolla, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Rolla, 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 Rolla, Missouri possess decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer from our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you can be confident that you will always receive dedicated service and individual attention and care. 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 very life at risk of being taken from you, 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 put off talking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. 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 speak to a Rolla, MO criminal defense attorney 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 could lose years of your life serving time encarcerated in state prisons, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you 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 applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which often severely limits where you can work or live.

If you have already received a felony conviction or believe you are likely to be convicted, do not lose hope. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be eligible to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Rolla, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our Rolla, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Rolla, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are classified into categories based on the severity. Depending 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

In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise terms of your punishment will be determined by the judge. The judge in your case will take into account factors including the situation surrounding the crime, your personal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, so a crime typically classified as 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. Likewise, with the representation and dedication of a talented Rolla criminal defense attorney, your original Class B charge could be dropped down to a lower felony, a felony charge could be minimized 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 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 determine whether or not to find you guilty. Contact our Rolla, 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 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 in certain cases. 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 Rolla, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Rolla, MO

Did you know Combs Waterkotte also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our Rolla-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 Rolla, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you decide to pay your Rolla 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 staring down a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will dramatically increase. Tickets generally cannot be struck from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over another time during this period you could be subject to harsher penalties.

A growing number of Rolla drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Rolla traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal acumen to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, do not stay on your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Best of all, our premier Rolla traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional 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 Rolla, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of getting your Rolla traffic ticket fixed.

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

Selecting the right Rolla, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time in jail. In contrast to other Rolla 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 24/7 access to the Rolla 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 have been indicted on criminal charges in Rolla, from a simple moving violation for speeding to severe felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up 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 experiences working with the experienced Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.