Criminal Defense Attorney Stoddard County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Stoddard County, MO. If you have been charged with a crime, you know that the situation is to be taken seriously. Even a conviction for a small infraction could force you to pay a hefty fine, serve time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend multiple years encarcerated in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your release you will continue to pay through the loss of certain rights or privileges that a large number of citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning guns, running in an election, or holding specific jobs. In addition, in many cases, you will be required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on rent or employment applications, which usually drastically limits where they can live or work.

The experienced Stoddard County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many people rise above criminal allegations in the Stoddard County, MO area. Our firm realizes that sometimes decent people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense firm works to minimize the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our impressive history of winning distinguishes us from other Stoddard County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Stoddard County 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 Stoddard County, MO criminal case.

Stoddard County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is a scary enough proposition, but when the charges you are facing are federal charges, they require a heightened stage of legal knowledge and dilligence. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Department of Justice often brags that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out every trick in the book to coax 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 Stoddard County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and winning favorable results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Stoddard County, MO is not scared to face 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 assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Stoddard County area and helped them put what is an undoubtably 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 Stoddard County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Stoddard County, 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 Stoddard County, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our capable and cunning St. Louis-based law firm, you will always receive quality customer service and a thoughtful defense strategy. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You have one dedicated attorney on your case and you can reach our lawyers and paralegals any time.

With your freedom and future on the line, it is imperative that you find a legal ally to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not procrastinate talking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges in Stoddard County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building a sound approach to your case and lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Stoddard County, MO about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. 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 lose lifelong rights that so many of us 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 forced 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 are already a felon or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, do not lose hope. 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. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Stoddard County, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Stoddard County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Stoddard County, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories that reflect the severity. Depending 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 conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a variety of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise punishment you are sentenced to will be up to the judge. They will weigh factors 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, meaning a crime usually 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 certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. On the other hand, with the representation and dedication of a talented Stoddard County 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 obtain a lesser punishment.

In some cases with the right circumstances and the skill of an experienced defense attorney, you can have the charges dropped entirely. If you have a strong case 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 Stoddard 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 grouped into categories 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

The classification of a misdemeanor can also be enhanced in certain cases. 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 Stoddard County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Stoddard County, MO

Did you know that Combs Waterkotte can also help you resolve traffic tickets and other traffic law matters? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our defense attorneys in the Stoddard County, MO area 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 Stoddard County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you elect to pay your Stoddard County 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 dramatically increase. Tickets generally cannot be removed from your driving record for at least three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be looking at harsher penalties.

Many Stoddard County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Stoddard County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal knowledge to every 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, after you’ve paid them, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Best of all, our premier Stoddard County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Stoddard County, 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 begin the process of getting your Stoddard County traffic ticket fixed.

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

Choosing the right Stoddard County, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time incarcerated. Unlike other Stoddard County defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will get anytime access to the Stoddard County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are facing criminal charges in Stoddard County, from a small traffic ticket for an improper lane change to federal felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the experienced Stoddard County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.