Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Norborne, MO. If you think a misdemeanor is no big deal in Norborne, MO, think again. You could be facing more than just a fine: Jail time, a criminal record, and more can follow you throughout your life. You need to properly contest these charges. And to do that, you need an expert Norborne, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
The Combs Waterkotte law firm has saved clients over one million days in jail, including in cases just like yours. When you work with one of our misdemeanor defense attorneys, we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
Every criminal charge needs to be taken seriously. To discover your best path forward, call us at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online for a no-strings attached consult.
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Why You Need a Top Norborne, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
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
- The loss of your freedom
- Fines and court fees that quickly add up
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t listen to your side
- Depending on the allegation, the loss of your driver’s license
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Significantly improved odds for a favorable outcome
- Guidance on how to handle police interviews
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your rights matters. Maintaining your reputation matters. And the firm you pick to defend you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, will stand by your side the whole way, and will stick with you all the way.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Norborne, 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. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies as a category don’t exactly have a maximum sentence. A conviction of a particularly heinous felony accusation can result in a life prison sentence.
Missouri uses a system to classify different levels of misdemeanors and felonies, with class A being the most serious of each. 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. To learn more, read the below section on different misdemeanor classes, their punishments, and examples.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
Sometimes, the same action on paper can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge is determined by a combination of prosecutorial discretion and the overall circumstances.
DWIs in Norborne, MO, can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending mostly on your prior record. In Missouri, Your first two DWI convictions in Missouri are each misdemeanors, while any subsequent ones are considered felonies.
If you’re in a situation like this, you don’t just need a Norborne, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. You need someone with experience as a felony charge lawyer who will fight for the lesser charge level.
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Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Lawyers Fight
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. Whichever one you’re facing, a Norborne, 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 have the highest potential penalties, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Thefts of property between $150 and $750 in value, selling fireworks without a permit, 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: 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.
An experienced Norborne, 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 Norborne
The steps to choose a Norborne, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. But you still need to take the process very seriously. 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.
Follow these steps to determine what attorney is right for you:
- Start talking to Norborne, MO attorneys right away – The longer you take to get started, the tougher it will be to fight your case.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask about potential defense strategies – Ideally, your attorney should have an initial plan for how to defend you.
- Ask about their relationship with the district attorney – These can come in handy for securing plea deals.
- Ask about fees/pricing transparency – You want to work with a misdemeanor defense lawyer who will charge you fairly.
- Look up the attorney’s history – Research online for reviews and peer endorsements.
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 speaking with potential attorneys, asking the right questions is a good start. But you also need to watch out for red flags that indicate this may not be the right attorney for you.
A lack of experience is an obvious example: Without practice in your charge type, how is this lawyer going to know the best way to defend you? 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.
Lastly, you want to avoid an attorney who is distracted or uninterested in your case. If your lawyer doesn’t care about you, they may not put the effort into your case that it requires. Look for an attorney who listens to you, knows your case type, and is always honest with you.
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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.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers and Expungement in Norborne, MO
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Career consequences, such as losing out on a professional license
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Damage to your reputation
- An additional hurdle to overcome in a custody fight
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in Norborne 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. But Missouri does offer a path to clear its citizens’ records: 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 conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- You have, at most, expunged two misdemeanors in the past.
- Enough time has passed (one year post sentence) without you receiving another conviction.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
Your Norborne, 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. Your attorney can do more than defend yourself – they can help you get a fresh start.
Combs Waterkotte’s Norborne, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers are Ready to Represent You Today
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service to all Norborne, MO residents. 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. Speak with one of our team members at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
