Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Ivanhoe, 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 Ivanhoe, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer.
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.
Every criminal charge needs to be taken seriously. To speak with a skilled misdemeanor defense lawyer, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no-strings attached consult.
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What a Leading Ivanhoe, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Do for 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. 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
- Days, weeks, or months of jail time
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A criminal record that’s available to the public
- Depending on the charge, a loss of your second amendment rights
But when you work with a leading local defense attorney, you get:
- A custom defense that is designed for your situation
- Leverage for plea deals through court and prosecutor relationships
- Significantly improved chances of a favorable outcome
- Protection from self-incrimination and similar mistakes
- 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 are ready to help you, day or night.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Ivanhoe, 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. Sometimes, lower-level felonies (class D or E) can be reduced to a misdemeanor when your defense attorney negotiates a favorable plea deal. To learn more, read the below section on different misdemeanor classes, their punishments, and examples.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
Some alleged actions are normally misdemeanors, but not always. In the wrong circumstances, they could be classified as felonies instead. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
DWIs in Ivanhoe, 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 Ivanhoe, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Ivanhoe, MO Misdeameanor Classes Our Lawyers Defend
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. Your Ivanhoe, 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 are the worst ones to be convicted of in Ivanhoe, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Vandalizing a cemetary, lesser assault charges, 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 in excess of 20mph, owning a defaced firearm, 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: 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 Ivanhoe, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer, you get insights on the best ways to handle your charges. Without one, you can slip up without even realizing it, and put your freedom in jeopardy.
Steps to Pick a Ivanhoe, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
The steps to choose a Ivanhoe, 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.
Here’s how to evaluate your options and make a decision:
- Start talking to Ivanhoe, MO attorneys right away – Many will offer free case reviews.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – Experience can give them insights into the most effective defense tactics.
- Ask if they have any initial plans to defend you – Ideally, your attorney should have an initial plan for how to defend you.
- Ask about their knowledge of the prosecutor – These can come in handy for securing plea deals.
- 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
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:
- Little Prior Experience – Experience gives lawyers insight into the laws, how the state prosecutes them, and what defenses work. Without experience, you could be this attorney’s testing ground.
- Unrealistically Positive Expectations – Overly positive predictions aren’t always possible to deliver on, and could be a sign that the lawyer only cares about making the sale.
- Lack of Empathy – Your attorney should treat you like a person, not a case number. A compassionate lawyer won’t settle for a “just good enough” outcome for clients.
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Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers and Expungement in Ivanhoe, MO
What are the long-term impacts of a criminal conviction? They can be wide-reaching, even for a misdemeanor:
- Employment consequences, such as losing out on a professional license
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Firearm rights in domestic violence cases
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in Ivanhoe 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.
Expungement allows you to seal records of your arrest and conviction. This is invaluable in moving forward and avoiding the collateral consequences mentioned above. To be eligible, the follow needs to apply:
- The conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- You have, at most, expunged two misdemeanors in the past.
- You’ve obeyed the law and not committed any crimes in the past year since the sentence.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should do more than just fight the charges in Ivanhoe, MO, court. 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.
Fight Your Charges With Ivanhoe, MO’s Leading Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Combs Waterkotte takes Ivanhoe, 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.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations, and are ready to fight for your rights. Speak with one of our team members at (314) 900-HELP or schedule a free, confidential consultation online.
