Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Whatever you’ve been accused of, it’s important to take misdemeanor charges seriously. You could go to jail, lose your job, and face numerous other consequences if you’re convicted. You need to properly contest these charges. That all starts by working with a top Kansas City, 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. When you work with one of our misdemeanor defense attorneys, we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
We will treat you and your case with respect, no matter what the allegation is. To discover your best path forward, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential case review.
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How a Top Kansas City, 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 still need to take charges seriously. 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:
- An unforgiving team of state attorneys
- The loss of your freedom
- Fines and court fees
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t listen to your side
- In some cases, this could negatively impact custody battles
But when you work with an experienced 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 liberty matters. Protecting your reputation matters. And who you choose to represent you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, want to deliver you the best outcome possible for your case, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Kansas City, 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.
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. 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. The main two factors that affect this are prosecutorial discretion and aggravating factors, like gang involvement.
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.
When facing these types of charges, you can’t settle for just any Kansas City, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. It’s important that they can also be your felony defense attorney, should the case come to that.
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Kansas City, MO Misdeameanor Classes Our Lawyers Defend
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. Whichever one you’re facing, a Kansas City, 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, selling fireworks without a permit, 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 in excess of 20mph, misusing 911 phone lines, 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 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.
An experienced Kansas City, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney can give you new options to fight your case. 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 Kansas City
The steps to choose a Kansas City, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. But that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. 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 talking to Kansas City, MO attorneys right away – Many will offer free case reviews.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- 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 local court connections – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- 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.
- Look up the attorney’s history – Research online for reviews and testimonials.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good criminal defense attorney.
Red Flags to Avoid
When deciding on your misdemeanor defense lawyer, you need to evaluate your options carefully. Think very carefully before hiring an attorney who seems disinterested in your case, guarantees a positive outcome, or doesn’t have experience in your case area. Here’s why:
- No Experience With Your Case Type – You don’t want to be a lawyer’s first time defending this case type – experience gives them additional insights into best defense practices.
- 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 Kansas City, 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
- Losing your driving privileges in DWI cases
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Kansas City, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. That said, for most misdemeanor convictions, you do have an option to clear your record: Expungement.
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:
- The offense is not on a list of ineligible offenses (for example, domestic violence).
- You haven’t expunged more than two prior misdemeanors.
- You’ve obeyed the law and not committed any crimes in the past year since the sentence.
- You don’t owe the court any payments for fines, fees, etc..
- There are no current criminal charges against you.
Your Kansas City, 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. With the help of an attorney, a conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
Get Help From an Expert Kansas City, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today: Call Combs Waterkotte
Misdemeanor accusations in Kansas City, MO are a big deal. Combs Waterkotte is ready to deliver you a quality defense. When you work with us, you’re getting an expert misdemeanor defense lawyer who is dedicated to finding you the best outcome possible.
We’re here to help good people in bad situations, and are ready to fight for your rights. Connect with a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or let us know how we can help online.
