Criminal Defense Attorney in Wright County, MO. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, you understand that the situation is to be taken seriously. Just a conviction for a minor infraction could force you to pay a sizable 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 locked up in the Missouri state prison system. And even after your reentry into society you will be further punished via loss of certain rights or privileges that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are barred from owning guns, running in an election, or holding certain occupations. Also, in many cases, you could be forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on housing or employment applications, which usually drastically limits where they can work or live.
The skilled Wright County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many men and women rise above criminal allegations in the Wright County, MO area. Our firm gets that people with good intetions can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense firm works to minimize the damage a criminal conviction has on your life, freedom, and reputation. Our record of success is notable among Wright County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of everything we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Wright 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 Wright County, MO criminal case.
Wright County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Wright County and Missouri.
Wright County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing a criminal charge is intimidating enough, but when the charges you are facing are federal charges, they demand an extra caliber of legal acumen and dilligence. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department regularly advertises that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. The vast majority of those convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will stop at nothing to coax a guilty plea, guarantee that you spend years in a federal prison, and have a federal conviction on your record for the remainder of your life.
At Combs Waterkotte, our Wright County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Wright County, 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 helped many Wright County-area residents who were facing all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and 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 Wright County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney
The proficient Wright 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 Wright County, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer from our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you will always receive dedicated service and individual attention and care. 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 very life on the line, you need a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not procrastinate talking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges in Wright County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, 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 Wright 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 encarcerated in state prisons, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are limited from purchasing or possessing 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 applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which is an obvious impairment to living a successful, lawful life.
If you are already a felon 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 eligible to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Wright County, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our Wright County, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.
Wright County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Wright County and Missouri.
Punishments for Felony Charges in Wright County, Missouri
Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are classified into categories based on the severity of the crime. 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 – a maximum of seven years in prison
- Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison
In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case is influenced by a variety of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise terms of your punishment will be decided by the judge. They will weigh information including the situation surrounding the crime, your criminal history and other details.
However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be 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 for 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 Wright County representing you, what was originally a Class B felony could be reduced to a lesser felony, a felony could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain 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 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 decide whether or not you are guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Wright County, MO criminal defense attorneys.
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
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. 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 Wright County, MO now.
Fixing Traffic Tickets In Wright 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 Wright 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.
Being given a traffic ticket in Wright County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your Wright County traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges you were accused of 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 greatly increase. Tickets in general cannot be removed from your driving record for at least three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be looking at harsher penalties.
Many Wright County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Wright County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal intelligence to every single one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Most importantly, our top-notch Wright County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, giving you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Wright 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 Wright County traffic ticket fixed.
In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Wright 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.
Hire Your Wright County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte
Choosing the right Wright County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other Wright County defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will get round-the-clock access to the Wright County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter the circumstances, the place, or the hour, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or anything else.
When you are facing criminal charges in Wright County, from a small traffic ticket for an improper lane change to serious felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the driven Wright County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.