Criminal Defense Attorney Springfield, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Springfield, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a crime, you do not need to be told the weight of the charges that you are looking at. Even a conviction for a small misdemeanor could force you to pay a hefty 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 a number of years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system. And even after your release from prison you will be further punished via loss of certain rights or privileges that a large number of citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, running for office, or holding certain occupations. Also, in many instances, you will be forced to share your status as a convicted felon on job or housing applications, which often heavily curtails where they can work or live.

The skilled Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many people rise above criminal allegations in the Springfield, MO area. Our firm gets that people with good intetions can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense firm works to limit the damage criminal charges have on your freedom, reputation, and life. Our record of winning cases is notable among Springfield criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do — just ask the satisfied Springfield 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 Springfield, MO criminal case.

Springfield, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is intimidating enough, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they demand a heightened caliber of legal acumen and focus. Prosecutors for the United States courts are driven to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department often advertises that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are 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, make sure 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 Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive results for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Springfield, 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 assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Springfield 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 Springfield, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Springfield, 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 Springfield, Missouri have years 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. Regardless of whether you are facing 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 hanging in the balance, you need someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait speaking to a Springfield area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Springfield, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work 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 criminal defense attorney in Springfield, MO about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. For felony charges, 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 will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you 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 required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on job or rental applications, 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, all hope is not lost. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be eligible to seek a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Springfield, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Springfield, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Springfield, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are classified into categories based on the severity of the crime. 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 variety of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment is determined by the judge. They will take into account information such as the specific circumstances of the crime, your criminal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, so what is typically 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 in crimes that are determined to have been carried out 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 Springfield representing you, your original Class B felony could be dropped down to a lesser class felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to obtain 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 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 decide whether or not to find you guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys.

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, 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 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 Springfield, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Springfield, 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 Springfield-based defense attorneys can help you through our expert 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 given a traffic ticket in Springfield, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a financial penalty. If you elect to pay your Springfield 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 drastically increase. Tickets usually cannot be expunged from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over once again during this period you could be subject to stiffer penalties.

A growing number of Springfield drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Springfield traffic ticket lawyer, and for good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal intelligence to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works without rest 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 influence insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our premier Springfield traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to quality legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Springfield, 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 fixing your Springfield traffic ticket.

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

Finding the right Springfield, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time behind bars. In contrast to other Springfield defense attorneys, our firm places absolute satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will get round-the-clock access to the Springfield 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 Springfield, from a simple traffic ticket for speeding to severe 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 skilled Springfield, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.