Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Buckner, MO. Don’t underestimate the impact of misdemeanor charges. 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 Buckner, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is here to serve you. We have handled over 15,000 cases, and are ready to begin working on yours today. When you work with one of our misdemeanor defense attorneys, we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
Every criminal charge needs to be taken seriously. To discover your best path forward, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-strings attached consultation.
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The Importance of Working With a Leading Buckner, 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. A defense attorney can help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls when fighting your case.
If you don’t have a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- The police, witnesses, and a prosecutor who want to see you behind bars
- Days, weeks, or months of jail time
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t consider your situation
- In some cases, you could lose custody of your child
But when you work with a leading local defense attorney, you get:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Local connections that help you secure favorable plea deals
- Significantly improved chances of a positive outcome
- Protection from self-incrimination and similar mistakes
- Straightforward advice that is applicable to your case
Your rights matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And the misdemeanor defense attorney you choose matters. At Combs Waterkotte, want to deliver you the best outcome possible for your case, and we are ready to help you, day or night.
Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Buckner, 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. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies as a category don’t exactly have a maximum sentence. A conviction of a particularly heinous felony accusation can result in a life prison sentence.
Missouri uses a system to classify different levels of misdemeanors and felonies, with class A being the most serious of each. 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.
Can Misdemeanors Become Felonies?
Sometimes, the same action on paper can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge is determined by a combination of prosecutorial discretion and the overall circumstances.
A good example of the misdemeanor vs. felony divide in Missouri is theft offenses. Typically, in Missouri, you can face felony charges for supposedly stealing something worth $750 or more; otherwise, you’re generally looking at misdemeanor charges. But that’s not always the case: For example, stealing a controlled substance is always considered a felony, regardless of the value.
Protecting yourself in this situation is even more important than usual. You need a misdemeanor defense lawyer who can also be your Buckner, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Lawyers Fight
There are four different classes of misdemeanors in Missouri. Whichever one you’re facing, a Buckner, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you face it. Below, you can read about the different categories and common examples of each in Buckner:
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: Invasion of privacy, making a false ID to buy alcohol, and general probation/parole violations.
Class B Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class B misdemeanors don’t have as high of penalties as class A, but they still need to be taken seriously. A conviction could mean up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 in fines.
Examples: Speeding more than 20 mph over the limit, owning a defaced firearm, 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: Driving on the highway with unsecured cargo, trying to hurt a police animal, and littering.
Class D Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class D misdemeanors still can impact your life, but normally the least of any misdemeanor class. 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.
An experienced Buckner, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney can give you new options to fight your case. Without one, you can slip up without even realizing it, and put your freedom in jeopardy.
Steps to Pick a Buckner, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Buckner, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. Making the right decision will set up your case for a positive outcome, while making the wrong one could set you up for long-term consequences.
If you use the below steps to assess potential lawyers, you’ll have a good idea of who to work with:
- Start talking to Buckner, MO attorneys right away – Don’t wait while the prosecution gets a head start.
- Ask what their history is with your charges – Experience can give them insights into the most effective defense tactics.
- Ask if they have any initial plans to defend you – While defense strategies can change over time, you want your lawyer to start with a plan.
- Ask about relationships with the local court – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- Ask about fees/pricing transparency – You want to work with a misdemeanor defense lawyer who will charge you fairly.
- Look up the attorney’s history – Search online for reviews and peer endorsements.
Now that you know how to find a good criminal defense attorney, it’s time to start making calls.
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Expungement: How Your Buckner, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Collateral Consequences
What are the long-term impacts of a criminal conviction? They can be wide-reaching, even for a misdemeanor:
- Employment consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Damage to your reputation
- The potential loss of custody of your children, if contested
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in Buckner will go away after a few years, think again: Missouri does not automatically clear your record of misdemeanors after enough time has passed (with the potential exception of some marijuana-related offenses. However, through expungement, you do have a path forward to clear your name.
Expungement allows you to seal records of your arrest and conviction. By expunging your misdemeanor records, you are taking a major step towards getting your life bac. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- The conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- You are not exceeding Missouri’s limit of three misdemeanor expungements in your lifetime.
- Enough time has passed (one year post sentence) without you receiving another conviction.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
When you work with the right Buckner, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer, they’ll stay by your side even if you are convicted. After a case, your attorney can help you decide on the best course to move your life forward. Expungement can seem complicated on your own, but with the right attorney, it can turn your life around.
Combs Waterkotte’s Buckner, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers are Ready to Represent You Today
Combs Waterkotte takes Buckner, MO, criminal defense seriously, from class D misdemeanors all the way up to class A felonies. When you work with us, you’re getting an expert misdemeanor defense lawyer who is dedicated to finding you the best outcome possible.
Together, we can find the way forward. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
