Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Dearborn, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. You could go to jail, lose your job, and face numerous other consequences if you’re convicted. You need to put together an effective defense. That all starts by working with a top Dearborn, 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 tell us about your case online for a no-obligation consult.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
How a Leading Dearborn, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You
If you’re being accused of a misdemeanor, your first reaction might be “Thank goodness it’s not a felony.” While this is true, you need to be careful about underestimating the charges. 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 district attorney who’s focused on getting a conviction
- The loss of your freedom
- Fines and court fees
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- Depending on the allegation, this could negatively impact custody battles
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, you get:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Greatly increased chances of a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Realistic projects on your case, and possible outcomes
Your freedom matters. Maintaining your reputation matters. And who you choose to represent you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, will stand by your side the whole way, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Dearborn, 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.
Missouri has different classifications of misdemeanors and felonies to create broad categories of potential criminal punishments. These use letters, with class A being the most serious of either. Sometimes, lower-level felonies (class D or E) can be reduced to a misdemeanor when your defense attorney negotiates a favorable plea deal. 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. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
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, taking public utility materials, like gas pipes, 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 Dearborn, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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 …
Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Attorneys Fight
There are four different classes of misdemeanors in Missouri. Whichever one you’re facing, a Dearborn, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you face it. The next sections will give you examples of each class of misdemeanor and potential penalties if convicted:
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: Vandalizing a cemetary, making a false ID to buy alcohol, and resisting arrest.
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: lying in an affidavit, animal neglect, 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 Dearborn, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer to protect your rights and future. Without one, it’s easy to make a mistake and find yourself in an even worse situation.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Dearborn
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Dearborn, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But you still need to take the process very seriously. 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 Dearborn, 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 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 – 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 – 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 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 speaking with potential attorneys, asking the right questions is a good start. 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 You also need to watch out for attorneys who “guarantee” a not-guilty outcome. 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.
How a Dearborn, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Career consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Strained familial relationships from separation and stress
- Losing your driving privileges in DWI cases
- An additional hurdle to overcome in a custody fight
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles 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.
- 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.
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
When you work with the right Dearborn, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer, they’ll stay by your side even if you are convicted. They should guide you through any options after your case to set you up for success moving forward. With the help of an attorney, a conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
Get Help From an Expert Dearborn, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today: Call Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to all Dearborn, MO residents. By choosing our misdemeanor defense lawyers, you are setting yourself up for a positive outcome.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations, and are ready to fight for your rights. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us how we can help you online.
