Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Kearney, MO. If you think a misdemeanor is no big deal in Kearney, MO, think again. A conviction can affect everything from your ability to keep your job to a child custody battle. Finding a deal and/or fighting for your innocence is essential. And to do that, you need an expert Kearney, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s top criminal defense law firm and has handled thousands of cases, many just like yours. Our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial, and will battle the prosecution to protect your freedom.
We will treat you and your case with respect, no matter what the allegation is. To speak with a skilled misdemeanor defense lawyer, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-strings attached consult.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Why You Need a Leading Kearney, 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. Your defense attorney should guide you through common slip-ups people make and provide expert insights.
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 reputation as a criminal that doesn’t consider your situation
- In some cases, the loss of your driver’s license
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, you get:
- A defensive strategy tailored to your case
- Local connections that help you secure favorable plea deals
- Significantly improved chances of a favorable outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your freedom matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And the firm you pick to defend you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, want to deliver you the best outcome possible for your case, and we are ready to help you, day or night.
What You Need to Know About Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Kearney, MO
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is pretty straightforward: 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 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. You can learn more about the different classifications of misdemeanors 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. 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 Kearney, MO. Missouri defines felony theft as the unlawful taking of $750 (or more) worth of value, and misdemeanor as anything below that. However, there are exceptions: 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 Kearney, 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 Lawyers Fight
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. To learn more about the potential penalties for each, you can read the descriptions below:
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: Invasion of privacy, 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, prostitution, 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: lying in an affidavit, 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.
When you work with a leading Kearney, 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.
Steps to Pick a Kearney, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Kearney, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. 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.
Here’s how to evaluate your options and make a decision:
- Start contacting local Kearney, MO, attorneys – The longer you take to get started, the tougher it will be to fight your case.
- Ask if they have previously fought these (or similar) charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask about potential defense strategies – Your attorney should have some initial thoughts on how to best defend your case.
- 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 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 – Look online for reviews and past victories.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good criminal defense attorney.
Red Flags to Avoid
When you’re conducting these steps, 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.
For example, years of courtroom experience are great, but what if none of it is with your charges? Asking a traffic attorney to defend a theft charge isn’t always the best choice. Similarly, beware of attorneys who try to oversell themselves. When the lawyer you’re interviewing is making promises you’re not sure they can back up, it’s time to look elsewhere.
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.
Expungement: How Your Kearney, 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:
- Career consequences, such as automatic suspensions from public jobs
- Financial costs from fines, court fees, and more expenses
- Damage to your reputation
- The potential loss of custody of your children, if contested
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Kearney, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. But Missouri does offer a path to clear its citizens’ records: Expungement.
Expungement allows you to seal records of your arrest and conviction. This counteracts many of the collateral consequences of your conviction. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- The conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- 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.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
Your Kearney, 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.
Fight Your Charges With Kearney, MO’s Leading Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Misdemeanor accusations in Kearney, 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.
Set yourself up for a positive outcome. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or let us know how we can help online.
