Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Maysville, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. You could be facing more than just a fine: Jail time, a criminal record, and more can follow you throughout your life. Finding a deal and/or fighting for your innocence is essential. That all starts by working with a top Maysville, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s top criminal defense law firm and has handled thousands of cases, many just like yours. We don’t settle for “good enough” for our clients – we keep fighting to get the best outcome possible.
Don’t settle for a subpar defense just because your case is a misdemeanor. To discover your best path forward, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-obligation consultation.
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What an Experienced Maysville, 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.” 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.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- A district attorney who has no reason to cut you a break
- A jail sentence that will tear you away from your job and family
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t allow for context
- In some cases, the loss of your driver’s license
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 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 defense matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And who you choose to represent you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, will stand by your side the whole way, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Maysville, MO
While individual laws can be very different, the difference between misdemeanors and felonies as categories is easier to understand: 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 has different classifications of misdemeanors and felonies to create broad categories of potential criminal punishments. These use letters, with class A being the most serious of either. 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 Maysville, MO. Typically, in Missouri, you can face felony charges for supposedly stealing something worth $750 or more; otherwise, you’re generally looking at misdemeanor charges. 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 Maysville, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Maysville, MO Misdeameanor Classes Our Lawyers Defend
There are four different classes of misdemeanors in Missouri. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys will defend you against all of them. The next sections will give you examples of each class of misdemeanor and potential penalties if convicted:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Vandalizing a cemetary, making a false ID to buy alcohol, 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 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: 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, minor in possession of alcohol, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Regardless of what class your charge is, it’s important to work with an expert Maysville, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer to protect your rights and future. Without one, it’s easy to make a mistake and find yourself in an even worse situation.
Steps to Pick a Maysville, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Maysville, 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.
Follow these steps to determine what attorney is right for you:
- Start talking to Maysville, MO attorneys right away – Set up interviews to get to know them.
- Ask if they have previously fought these (or similar) charges – Experience can give them insights into the most effective defense tactics.
- Ask how they will defend your case – Your attorney should have some initial thoughts on how to best defend your case.
- Ask about their relationship with the district attorney – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- Ask about the cost – You want to work with a misdemeanor defense lawyer who will charge you fairly.
- Look up the attorney’s history – Look online for reviews and peer endorsements.
Now that you know how to find a good criminal defense attorney, it’s time to start making calls.
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How a Maysville, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Employment consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Strained familial relationships from separation and stress
- Damage to your reputation
- The potential loss of custody of your children, if contested
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in Maysville 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 counteracts many of the collateral consequences of your conviction. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- The offense is not on a list of ineligible offenses (for example, domestic violence).
- You haven’t expunged more than two prior misdemeanors.
- At least one year has passed since completing the sentence, and you have not had any further convictions in that time period.
- Everything related to your original case is settled.
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
When you work with the right Maysville, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer, they’ll stay by your side even if you are convicted. They should guide you through any options after your case to set you up for success moving forward. Your attorney can do more than defend yourself – they can help you get a fresh start.
Our Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Fight For You in Maysville, MO
Combs Waterkotte takes Maysville, 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.
Set yourself up for a positive outcome. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
