Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in East Side KC, MO. If you think a misdemeanor is no big deal in East Side KC, MO, think again. You could be facing more than just a fine: Jail time, a criminal record, and more can follow you throughout your life. You need to protect yourself from these outcomes. And to do that, you need an expert East Side KC, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
The Combs Waterkotte law firm has saved clients over one million days in jail, including in cases just like yours. We don’t settle for “good enough” for our clients – we keep fighting to get the best outcome possible.
Every criminal charge needs to be taken seriously. To get help navigating this situation, call us at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online for a no-strings attached case review.
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How a Leading East Side KC, 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.” And no one would blame you for thinking that. However, that doesn’t mean your case will be a walk in the park. 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
- Fines and court fees
- A criminal record that’s available to the public
- In some cases, a loss of your second amendment rights
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- A collaborative defense process that is rooted in your side of the story
- 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 defense matters. Maintaining your reputation matters. And the firm you pick to defend 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 East Side KC, 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. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies as a category don’t exactly have a maximum sentence. The most serious felonies in Missouri can result in a lifetime in prison.
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. If you want to read about the different misdemeanor classes, we have a section outlining them below.
Can Misdemeanors Become Felonies?
Some alleged actions are normally misdemeanors, but not always. In the wrong circumstances, they could be classified as felonies instead. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge is determined by a combination of prosecutorial discretion and the overall circumstances.
DWIs in East Side KC, MO, can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending mostly on your prior record. In Missouri, a first-offense DWI is normally considered a misdemeanor. However, for a third alleged offense or further, DWI charges become felonies.
Protecting yourself in this situation is even more important than usual. You need a misdemeanor defense lawyer who can also be your East Side KC, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Different Misdemeanor Classes in East Side KC, MO
Missouri law divides misdemeanors into four classes, each with its own possible penalties. Your East Side KC, 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 East Side KC, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Vandalizing a cemetary, selling fireworks without a permit, and resisting arrest.
Class B Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class B misdemeanors are not as serious as class A misdemeanors, but the penalties can still be life-altering. 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 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: Driving on the highway with unsecured cargo, unlawfully keeping a child from attending school, 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.
An experienced East Side KC, 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 East Side KC, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
The steps to choose a East Side KC, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. 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.
Here’s how to evaluate your options and make a decision:
- Reach out to East Side KC, MO attorneys immediately – Don’t wait while the prosecution gets a head start.
- Ask what their history is with your charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask about potential defense strategies – 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 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 testimonials.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good criminal defense attorney.
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How a East Side KC, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
Felonies aren’t the only convictions with long-term life impacts. Here’s how a criminal record with a misdemeanor can impact your life:
- Career consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Firearm rights in domestic violence cases
- An additional hurdle to overcome in a custody fight
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in East Side KC 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.
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, the follow needs to apply:
- Expungement is allowed for the specific crime you were convicted of.
- 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.
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
Your East Side KC, 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. Expungement can seem complicated on your own, but with the right attorney, it can turn your life around.
Combs Waterkotte’s East Side KC, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers are Ready to Represent You Today
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to all East Side KC, MO residents. When you work with us, you’re getting an expert misdemeanor defense lawyer who is dedicated to finding you the best outcome possible.
Don’t let your life be defined by one bad moment. Speak with one of our team members at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
