Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Clinton, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. A conviction can affect everything from your future career to a child custody battle. Finding a deal and/or fighting for your innocence is essential. And to do that, you need an expert Clinton, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
The Combs Waterkotte law firm has over 60 years of combined trial experience, including fighting cases just like yours. We don’t settle for “good enough” for our clients – we keep fighting to get the best outcome possible.
You deserve high-quality legal services, no matter what charge you’re facing. To get help navigating this situation, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-strings attached consult.
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Why You Need a Top Clinton, 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. Your defense attorney should guide you through common slip-ups people make and provide expert insights.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- The police, witnesses, and a prosecutor who want to see you behind bars
- A jail sentence that will tear you away from your job and family
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t listen to your side
- Depending on the allegation, a loss of your second amendment rights
But when you work with an experienced local defense attorney, you get:
- A custom defense that is designed for your situation
- Local connections that help you secure favorable plea deals
- Greatly increased chances of a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Straightforward advice that is applicable to your case
Your defense matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And the firm you pick to defend you 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’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Clinton, MO?
On paper, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is not that complex: a misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of less than a year in jail, while a felony can carry penalties of more than one year. While there isn’t technically a limit on how long a “felony” sentence can be, in Missouri, the maximum is either thirty years or a life 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. If you want to read about the different misdemeanor classes, we have a section outlining them below.
Can Misdemeanors Become Felonies?
You might have heard of two alleged crimes in the past that seemed very similar, but one was charged as a misdemeanor and the other a felony. How does that happen? 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 Clinton, MO, is a DWI. In Missouri, a first-offense DWI is normally considered a misdemeanor. However, for a third alleged offense or further, DWI charges become felonies.
When facing these types of charges, you can’t settle for just any Clinton, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. It’s important that they can also be your felony defense attorney, should the case come to that.
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Clinton, MO Misdeameanor Classes Our Lawyers Defend
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. Your Clinton, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight any of them. To learn more about the potential penalties for each, you can read the descriptions below:
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: 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 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, prostitution, and many forms of trespassing.
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.
Regardless of what class your charge is, it’s important to work with an expert Clinton, 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.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Clinton
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Clinton, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But it is important to get it right. An expert defense attorney can make the difference between a plea deal and months in jail.
Follow these steps to determine what attorney is right for you:
- Start talking to Clinton, MO attorneys right away – Many will offer free case reviews.
- Ask if they have previously fought these (or similar) charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask if they have any initial plans to defend you – Your attorney should have some initial thoughts on how to best defend your case.
- Ask about local court connections – This not only gives them an edge in trial, but also gives your attorney something to lean on in plea negotiations.
- 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 – Research online for reviews and accolades.
Now that you know how to find a good criminal defense attorney, it’s time to start making calls.
Red Flags to Avoid
When you’re conducting these steps, finding someone who checks the right boxes is great. 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.
Lastly, you want to avoid an attorney who is distracted or uninterested in your case. 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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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.
Expungement: How Your Clinton, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Collateral Consequences
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Career consequences, such as automatic suspensions from public jobs
- Financial costs from fines, court fees, and more expenses
- Damage to your reputation
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
While some states have automatic record clearing for most misdemeanor convictions, Missouri does not. That said, for most misdemeanor convictions, you do have an option to clear your record: Expungement.
If you can get your misdemeanor conviction expunged, it will prevent future employers, landlords, and more from being able to see it. This counteracts many of the collateral consequences of your conviction. To be eligible, the follow needs to apply:
- The conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- 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.
- You don’t owe the court any payments for fines, fees, etc..
- There are no current criminal charges against you.
Your Clinton, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer’s job doesn’t end after the verdict. 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.
Our Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Fight For You in Clinton, MO
Combs Waterkotte takes Clinton, 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. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
