Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Braymer, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. If found guilty, you could go to jail, possibly for months. Finding a deal and/or fighting for your innocence is essential. And to do that, you need an expert Braymer, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s top criminal defense law firm and has handled thousands of cases, many just like yours. When you work with one of our misdemeanor defense attorneys, we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
You deserve high-quality legal services, no matter what charge you’re facing. To discover your best path forward, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-strings attached consult.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
The Importance of Working With a Leading Braymer, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
If you’re being accused of a misdemeanor, your first reaction might be “Thank goodness it’s not a felony.” And while it is less serious than a felony, that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. Working with a defense attorney is taking a practical step to protect yourself.
If you don’t have a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- A prosecutor who has no reason to cut you a break
- Days, weeks, or months of jail time
- Fines and court fees
- A criminal record that’s available to the public
- In some cases, a loss of your second amendment rights
But when you work with a leading local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- A collaborative defense process that is rooted in your side of the story
- Leverage for plea deals through court and prosecutor relationships
- Significantly improved odds for a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Straightforward advice that is applicable to your case
Your liberty matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And the misdemeanor defense attorney you choose matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to helping good people in bad situations, and we are ready to help you, day or night.
What You Need to Know About Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Braymer, MO
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is pretty straightforward: if convicted of a misdemeanor, you could go to jail for up to one year. Meanwhile, if convicted of a felony, you can go to prison for more than one year.
Missouri classifies its misdemeanors and felonies from A to D and E, respectively. The line between felonies and misdemeanors can be a bit fuzzy, though: An experienced criminal defense lawyer will often plea bargain with the prosecution in order to reduce a lower level (class D or E) felony to a misdemeanor. To learn more, read the below section on different misdemeanor classes, their punishments, and examples.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
Some alleged actions are normally misdemeanors, but not always. In the wrong circumstances, they could be classified as felonies instead. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
Resisting arrest is an example of an allegation which could draw either misdemeanor or felony charges. If a police officer places you under arrest, and you struggle against them, this is normally a class A misdemeanor. However, if in the process you put others in danger, this can be escalated to a class E felony.
When facing these types of charges, you can’t settle for just any Braymer, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. It’s important that they can also be your felony defense attorney, should the case come to that.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Braymer, MO Misdeameanor Classes Our Attorneys Defend
Missouri law divides misdemeanors into four classes, each with its own possible penalties. Whichever one you’re facing, a Braymer, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you face it. To learn more about the potential penalties for each, you can read the descriptions below:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Thefts of property between $150 and $750 in value, selling fireworks without a permit, and lying to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Class B Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class B misdemeanors are not as serious as class A misdemeanors, but the penalties can still be life-altering. A conviction could mean up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 in fines.
Examples: Speeding in excess of 20mph, prostitution, and violating state wildlife statutes.
Class C Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class C misdemeanors offer the least amount of jail time, with a maximum of 15 days, but still can face steep fines of up to $750.
Examples: lying in an affidavit, trying to hurt a police animal, and littering.
Class D Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class D misdemeanors are the least serious in terms of punishment. They can carry a fine of up to $500, but no jail time.
Examples: Thefts of property under $150 in value, minor in possession of alcohol, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Regardless of what class your charge is, it’s important to work with an expert Braymer, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer to protect your rights and future. Without one, you could miss out on potential plea deals or plead guilty without understanding the consequences.
Steps to Pick a Braymer, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Braymer, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. The right attorney can help you find defenses you wouldn’t have thought of. The wrong one won’t give your case the attention it deserves.
If you use the below steps to assess potential lawyers, you’ll have a good idea of who to work with:
- Start contacting local Braymer, MO, attorneys – The longer you take to get started, the tougher it will be to fight your case.
- Ask if they have previously fought these (or similar) charges – Experience can give them insights into the most effective defense tactics.
- Ask about potential defense strategies – Your attorney should have some initial thoughts on how to best defend your case.
- Ask about their knowledge of the prosecutor – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- Ask about the cost – You want to work with a misdemeanor defense lawyer who will charge you fairly.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Research online for reviews and peer endorsements.
When you ask the right questions and conduct research, you’ll be much more likely to find the right criminal defense attorney.
Red Flags to Avoid
When you’re conducting these steps, you want to look for positive signs like prior experience, a good reputation, and local connections. But you also need to watch out for red flags that should tell you to keep looking.
One of the most important things to watch out for is an attorney with little experience. The prosecutor will probably know exactly how to build a case against you, and an inexperienced attorney could easily be outmatched Similarly, beware of attorneys who try to oversell themselves. If they promise overly positive results, they might not be being honest about your case.
Finally, if the lawyer doesn’t show empathy for you and your situation, you should make some calls to other options. This is a sign that they may not care as much about your well-being as the paycheck you provide. Instead, you want a lawyer who treats you like a person, not a case number.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers and Expungement in Braymer, MO
Felonies aren’t the only convictions with long-term life impacts. Here’s how a criminal record with a misdemeanor can impact your life:
- Career consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Damage to your reputation
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
While some states have automatic record clearing for most misdemeanor convictions, Missouri does not. However, through expungement, you do have a path forward to clear your name.
If you can get your misdemeanor conviction expunged, it will prevent future employers, landlords, and more from being able to see it. This is invaluable in moving forward and avoiding the collateral consequences mentioned above. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- Expungement is allowed for the specific crime you were convicted of.
- You have, at most, expunged two misdemeanors in the past.
- You’ve obeyed the law and not committed any crimes in the past year since the sentence.
- Everything related to your original case is settled.
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
When you work with the right Braymer, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer, they’ll stay by your side even if you are convicted. They shouldn’t give up once the plea is in or the trial is over. With the help of an attorney, a conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
Get Help From an Expert Braymer, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today: Call Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to all Braymer, MO residents. When you work with us, you’re getting an expert misdemeanor defense lawyer who is dedicated to finding you the best outcome possible.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations, and are ready to fight for your rights. Speak with one of our team members at (314) 900-HELP or tell us how we can help you online.
