Criminal Defense Attorney Sikeston, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Sikeston, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you know that the situation is a serious ordeal. Just being convicted of a minor misdemeanor could cause you to pay a large fine, do time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only increases these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend a number of years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system. And even following your release you will continue to pay through the loss of additional rights or privileges that most citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning guns, running in an election, or holding specific occupations. Also, in many situations, you could be required to admit your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which often heavily curtails where they can live or work.

The winning Sikeston, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many men and women rise above criminal convictions in the Sikeston, MO area. Our firm gets that people with good intetions can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense firm works to minimize the effect a criminal conviction has on your ability to live life. Our record of winning is notable among Sikeston criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do — just ask the satisfied Sikeston clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Sikeston, MO criminal case.

Sikeston, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is stressful enough, but criminal charges at the federal level demand a heightened stage of legal knowledge and focus. Prosecutors for the United States courts are driven to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department often touts 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 every trick in the book to induce 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 Sikeston, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Sikeston, 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 protected many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Sikeston 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 Sikeston, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Sikeston, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, like:

• 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 Sikeston, Missouri have decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive personalized care and dedicated representation. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your freedom and future at risk of being taken from you, you need someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait reaching out to a Sikeston area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Sikeston, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy and lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to talk to a criminal defense attorney in Sikeston, MO about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor could result in a fine to pay, 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. 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 job or rental applications, which is an obvious obstacle to living a successful, lawful life.

If you have already received a felony conviction or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, do not panic. 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 Sikeston, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Sikeston, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Sikeston, Missouri

In Missouri, felony crimes are categorized into five classes based on 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

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a variety of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise punishment you are sentenced to is decided by the judge. They will weigh factors such as 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, meaning a crime typically considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied for some defendants with prior convictions or in certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Conversely, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Sikeston representing you, your original Class B charge could be dropped down to a lower felony, a felony charge could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain a less serious.

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 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 Sikeston, 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. 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, in misdemeanor cases your defense attorney can often help you avoid serving jail time in favor of 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 Sikeston, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Sikeston, 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 Sikeston-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.

Getting a traffic ticket in Sikeston, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your Sikeston traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the severity of your offense, you could be staring down a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will greatly increase. Tickets generally cannot be struck from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be subject to increased penalties.

Many Sikeston drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Sikeston traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal acumen to every single one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Best of all, our top-notch Sikeston traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional 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 issued a traffic ticket in Sikeston, 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 start the process of getting your Sikeston traffic ticket fixed.

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

Selecting the right Sikeston, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time behind bars. Unlike other Sikeston 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 anytime access to the Sikeston criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Sikeston, from a small moving violation for an improper lane change 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 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 Sikeston, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.