Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Concordia, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. You could be facing more than just a fine: Jail time, a criminal record, and more can follow you throughout your life. You can’t just roll over and let these allegations win – You need to fight them. But you don’t have to do it alone. You have Concordia, MO’s leading misdemeanor defense lawyer on your side.
Combs Waterkotte is here to serve you. We have handled over 15,000 cases, and are ready to begin working on yours today. Our misdemeanor defense attorneys are dedicated to finding the best outcomes possible for each of our clients.
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 send us a note online for a free, confidential consultation.
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Why You Need an Experienced Concordia, 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.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- An unforgiving team of state attorneys
- The loss of your freedom
- Fines and court fees
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t allow for context
- Depending on the allegation, a loss of your second amendment rights
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- A custom defense that is designed for your situation
- Leverage for plea deals through court and prosecutor relationships
- Greatly increased odds for a positive outcome
- Guidance on how to handle police interviews
- Realistic projects on your case, and possible outcomes
Your rights matters. Maintaining your reputation 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 Concordia, 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 classifies its misdemeanors and felonies from A to D and E, respectively. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled defense attorney may be able to negotiate your felony accusations to be reduced to a misdemeanor. You can learn more about the different classifications of misdemeanors below.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
Being accused of a crime is never a good time, but it can be extra stressful when it could 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.
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, causing or nearly causing harm to others while resisting is a class E felony.
If you’re in a situation like this, you don’t just need a Concordia, 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 Lawyers Fight
There are four different classes of misdemeanors in Missouri. Your Concordia, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight any of them. The next sections will give you examples of each class of misdemeanor and potential penalties if convicted:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors are the worst ones to be convicted of in Concordia, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Invasion of privacy, lesser assault charges, 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, 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 Concordia, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer, you get insights on the best ways to handle your charges. Without one, you could miss out on potential plea deals or plead guilty without understanding the consequences.
Steps to Pick a Concordia, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
The steps to choose a Concordia, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. 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.
Follow these steps to determine what attorney is right for you:
- Start talking to Concordia, MO attorneys right away – Set up interviews to get to know them.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask how they will defend your case – While defense strategies can change over time, you want your lawyer to start with a plan.
- Ask about relationships with the local court – These can come in handy for securing plea deals.
- Ask about how payments will work – 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 – 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.
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How a Concordia, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
What are the long-term impacts of a criminal conviction? They can be wide-reaching, even for a misdemeanor:
- Employment consequences, such as automatic suspensions from public jobs
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Damage to your reputation
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Concordia, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. But Missouri does offer a path to clear its citizens’ records: Expungement.
If you can get your misdemeanor conviction expunged, it will prevent future employers, landlords, and more from being able to see it. 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 offense is not on a list of ineligible offenses (for example, domestic violence).
- You haven’t expunged more than two prior misdemeanors.
- At least one year has passed since completing the sentence, and you have not had any further convictions in that time period.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- There are no current criminal charges against you.
Your Concordia, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer’s job doesn’t end after the verdict. They should guide you through any options after your case to set you up for success moving forward. Expungement can seem complicated on your own, but with the right attorney, it can turn your life around.
Get Help From an Expert Concordia, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today: Call Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to all Concordia, MO residents. By choosing our misdemeanor defense lawyers, you are setting yourself up for a positive outcome.
Set yourself up for a positive outcome. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or use our contact form online.
