Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Freeman, MO. A misdemeanor conviction can change your life. 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 Freeman, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer.
The Combs Waterkotte law firm has over 60 years of combined trial experience, including fighting cases just like yours. Our misdemeanor defense attorneys are dedicated to finding the best outcomes possible for each of our clients.
Every criminal charge needs to be taken seriously. To start building your defense, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-obligation consultation.
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The Importance of Working With a Leading Freeman, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
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:
- The police, witnesses, and a prosecutor who want to see you behind bars
- The loss of your freedom
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- In some cases, a loss of your firearm rights
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, you get:
- A custom defense that is designed for your situation
- 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 freedom matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And who you choose to represent you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to helping good people in bad situations, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
What You Need to Know About Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Freeman, MO
On paper, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is not that complex: 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.
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. You can learn more about the different classifications of misdemeanors below.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
Sometimes, the same action on paper can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
Theft is a common example of the misdemeanor vs. felony line in Freeman, MO. Missouri defines felony theft as the unlawful taking of $750 (or more) worth of value, and misdemeanor as anything below that. But that’s not always the case: For example, stealing a controlled substance 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 Freeman, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Different Misdemeanor Classes in Freeman, MO
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys will defend you against all of them. Below, you can read about the different categories and common examples of each in Freeman:
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, making a false ID to buy alcohol, and general probation/parole violations.
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, misusing 911 phone lines, and violating state wildlife statutes.
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, 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.
When you work with a leading Freeman, 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.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Freeman
The steps to choose a Freeman, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. But you still need to take the process very seriously. 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 Freeman, MO, attorneys – Set up interviews to get to know them.
- Ask what their history is with your charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask if they have any initial plans to defend you – 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 the cost – Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should be transparent when discussing fees, not evasive.
- Look up the attorney’s history – Look online for reviews and past victories.
Now that you know how to find a good criminal defense attorney, it’s time to start making calls.
Red Flags to Avoid
Now that you know what to ask about, you also need to be aware of warning signs that you . Red flags like a lack of experience, unrealistically positive expectations, and a lack of empathy should turn you away. This is why that matters:
- Lack of Experience – If your attorney hasn’t defended cases similar to yours in the past, they may not know the most effective tactics.
- Unrealistically Positive Expectations – A lawyer with your best interests in mind will be honest with you, even if it’s news that you don’t want to hear.
- Lack of Empathy – If your lawyer doesn’t care about you and your wellbeing, they may not take your case seriously.
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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 Freeman, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Collateral Consequences
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
- Firearm rights in domestic violence cases
- An additional hurdle to overcome in a custody fight
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
What’s worse, in Freeman, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. But Missouri does offer a path to clear its citizens’ records: Expungement.
After an expungement, most people, outside of some government agencies, won’t be able to see that conviction on your record. 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.
- 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 Freeman, 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.
Combs Waterkotte’s Freeman, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers are Ready to Represent You Today
Combs Waterkotte takes Freeman, MO, criminal defense seriously, from class D misdemeanors all the way up to class A felonies. Together, you and your misdemeanor defense lawyer can build a strong defense strategy that guards you against the accusations.
Don’t let your life be defined by one bad choice. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or let us know how we can help online.
