Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Claycomo, 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. That all starts by working with a top Claycomo, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte’s team of experienced criminal defense lawyers 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.
We will treat you and your case with respect, no matter what the allegation is. To get help navigating this situation, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-strings attached consultation.
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What a Leading Claycomo, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
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:
- A prosecutor who has no reason to cut you a break
- The loss of your freedom
- Fines and court fees
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- Depending on the charge, you could lose custody of your child
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Significantly improved odds for a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Realistic projects on your case, and possible outcomes
Your rights matters. Protecting your reputation matters. And who you choose to represent you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, want to deliver you the best outcome possible for your case, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Claycomo, MO?
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is pretty straightforward: a misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of less than a year in jail, while a felony can carry penalties of more than one year.
Missouri classifies its misdemeanors and felonies from A to D and E, respectively. Sometimes, lower-level felonies (class D or E) can be reduced to a misdemeanor when your defense attorney negotiates a favorable plea deal. If you want to read about the different misdemeanor classes, we have a section outlining them below.
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 an alleged crime that could be either a misdemeanor or a felony in Claycomo, MO, is a DWI. In Missouri, Your first two DWI convictions in Missouri are each misdemeanors, while any subsequent ones are considered felonies.
If you’re in a situation like this, you don’t just need a Claycomo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. You need someone with experience as a felony charge lawyer who will fight for the lesser charge level.
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Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Attorneys Fight
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. Whichever one you’re facing, a Claycomo, 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 Claycomo:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors have the highest potential penalties, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Invasion of privacy, selling fireworks without a permit, and lying to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
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 in excess of 20mph, misusing 911 phone lines, and fraudulently obtaining a handicap license plate.
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: Running a red light, unlawfully keeping a child from attending school, 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, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
When you work with a leading Claycomo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer, you get insights on the best ways to handle your charges. Without one, you can slip up without even realizing it, and put your freedom in jeopardy.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Claycomo
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Claycomo, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. An expert defense attorney can make the difference between a plea deal and months in jail.
If you use the below steps to assess potential lawyers, you’ll have a good idea of who to work with:
- Start contacting local Claycomo, MO, attorneys – Don’t wait while the prosecution gets a head start.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – 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 fees/pricing transparency – Your misdemeanor defense lawyer shouldn’t see you as a paycheck; they should explain how the expenses will work in a clear, understandable way.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Search online for reviews and peer endorsements.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good criminal defense attorney.
Red Flags to Avoid
When you’re speaking with potential attorneys, you want to look for positive signs like prior experience, a good reputation, and local connections. But you also need to watch out for warning signs that this misdemeanor defense lawyer may not be right for you.
For example, years of courtroom experience are great, but what if none of it is with your charges? Asking a traffic attorney to defend a theft charge isn’t always the best choice. 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.
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Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers and Expungement in Claycomo, MO
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
- Financial costs from fines, court fees, and more expenses
- Losing your driving privileges in DWI cases
- The potential loss of custody of your children, if contested
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Claycomo, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. However, through expungement, you do have a path forward to clear your name.
Expungement allows you to seal records of your arrest and conviction. This counteracts many of the collateral consequences of your conviction. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- The offense is not on a list of ineligible offenses (for example, domestic violence).
- You are not exceeding Missouri’s limit of three misdemeanor expungements in your lifetime.
- At least one year has passed since completing the sentence, and you have not had any further convictions in that time period.
- Everything related to your original case is settled.
- There are no current criminal charges against you.
Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should do more than just fight the charges in Claycomo, MO, court. They shouldn’t give up once the plea is in or the trial is over. Expungement can seem complicated on your own, but with the right attorney, it can turn your life around.
Fight Your Charges With Claycomo, MO’s Leading Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Combs Waterkotte takes Claycomo, 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.
Give yourself another chance. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or schedule a free, confidential consultation online.
