Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Lexington, 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. And to do that, you need an expert Lexington, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
The Combs Waterkotte law firm has saved clients over one million days in jail, including in cases just like yours. Our misdemeanor defense attorneys are dedicated to finding the best outcomes possible for each of our clients.
You deserve high-quality legal services, no matter what charge you’re facing. To speak with a skilled misdemeanor defense lawyer, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
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Why You Need a Leading Lexington, 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 still need to take charges seriously. A defense attorney can help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls when fighting your case.
If you don’t have a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- An unforgiving team of state attorneys
- A jail sentence that will tear you away from your job and family
- Fines and court fees that quickly add up
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t listen to your side
- Depending on the case type, a loss of your second amendment rights
But when you work with an experienced local defense attorney, you get:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Greatly increased 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 the misdemeanor defense attorney you choose 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 You Need to Know About Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Lexington, 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.
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. If you want to read about the different misdemeanor classes, we have a section outlining them below.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
You might have heard of two alleged crimes in the past that seemed very similar, but one was charged as a misdemeanor and the other a felony. How does that happen? This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
An easy way for an alleged misdemeanor to turn into a felony in Lexington, MO, is by resisting arrest. Resisting arrest under typical circumstances is a class A misdemeanor. However, if in the process you put others in danger, this can be escalated to a class E felony.
When facing these types of charges, you can’t settle for just any Lexington, 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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Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Attorneys Fight
Missouri law divides misdemeanors into four classes, each with its own possible penalties. Whichever one you’re facing, a Lexington, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you face it. 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 Lexington, 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 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: lying in an affidavit, trying to hurt a police animal, 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, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
When you work with a leading Lexington, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer, you get insights on the best ways to handle your charges. Without one, it’s easy to make a mistake and find yourself in an even worse situation.
Steps to Pick a Lexington, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Lexington, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But it is important to get it right. 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:
- Start contacting local Lexington, MO, attorneys – Set up interviews to get to know them.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – Experience can give them insights into the most effective defense tactics.
- Ask about potential defense strategies – Ideally, your attorney should have an initial plan for how to defend you.
- 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.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Look online for reviews and testimonials.
Now that you know how to find a good criminal defense attorney, it’s time to start making calls.
Red Flags to Avoid
When you’re conducting these steps, finding someone who checks the right boxes is great. But you also need to beware of warning signs that this misdemeanor defense lawyer may not be right for you.
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. You also need to watch out for attorneys who “guarantee” a not-guilty outcome. If they promise overly positive results, they might not be being honest about your case.
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.
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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.
How a Lexington, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Career consequences, such as losing out on a professional license
- Financial costs from fines, court fees, and more expenses
- Losing your driving privileges in DWI cases
- An additional hurdle to overcome in a custody fight
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in Lexington 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. 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 counteracts many of the collateral consequences of your conviction. To be eligible, the follow needs to apply:
- The offense is not on a list of ineligible offenses (for example, domestic violence).
- You are not exceeding Missouri’s limit of three misdemeanor expungements in your lifetime.
- 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 Lexington, 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.
Fight Your Charges With Lexington, MO’s Leading Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to all Lexington, MO residents. Together, you and your misdemeanor defense lawyer can build a strong defense strategy that guards you against the accusations.
Give yourself another chance. Connect with a lawyer at (314) 900-HELP or let us know how we can help online.
