Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Odessa, MO. Don’t underestimate the impact of misdemeanor charges. 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 Odessa, 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 attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial, and will battle the prosecution to protect your freedom.
Don’t settle for a subpar defense just because your case is a misdemeanor. To speak with a skilled misdemeanor defense lawyer, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consult.
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The Importance of Working With an Experienced Odessa, 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. 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:
- A prosecutor who’s focused on getting a conviction
- A jail sentence that will tear you away from your job and family
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A criminal record that’s available to the public
- In some cases, a loss of your firearm rights
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Leverage for plea deals through court and prosecutor relationships
- Greatly increased chances of a favorable outcome
- Protection from self-incrimination and similar mistakes
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your freedom matters. Maintaining your reputation matters. And the misdemeanor defense attorney you choose 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 Odessa, 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.
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. 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.
Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Escalations
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 an existing criminal record.
DWIs in Odessa, 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.
Protecting yourself in this situation is even more important than usual. You need a misdemeanor defense lawyer who can also be your Odessa, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Attorneys Fight
Missouri law divides misdemeanors into four classes, each with its own possible penalties. At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys will defend you against all of them. Below, you can read about the different categories and common examples of each in Odessa:
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, making a false ID to buy alcohol, and resisting arrest.
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 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, 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.
Regardless of what class your charge is, it’s important to work with an expert Odessa, 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 Odessa, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
The steps to choose a Odessa, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. 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 talking to Odessa, MO attorneys right away – Set up interviews to get to know them.
- Ask what their history is with your charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask how they will defend your case – Your attorney should have some initial thoughts on how to best defend your case.
- Ask about local court connections – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- Ask about fees/pricing transparency – You want to work with a misdemeanor defense lawyer who will charge you fairly.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – 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 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. This is why that matters:
- No Experience With Your Case Type – Experience gives lawyers insight into the laws, how the state prosecutes them, and what defenses work. Without experience, you could be this attorney’s testing ground.
- 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 – A disinterested attorney might not give your case the attention it deserves, or put in the effort to keep you informed.
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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 Odessa, MO
Felonies aren’t the only convictions with long-term life impacts. Here’s how a criminal record with a misdemeanor can impact your life:
- Career consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Strained familial relationships from separation and stress
- Firearm rights in domestic violence cases
- An additional hurdle to overcome in a custody fight
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
While some states have automatic record clearing for most misdemeanor convictions, Missouri does not. However, through expungement, you do have a path forward to clear your name.
After an expungement, most people, outside of some government agencies, won’t be able to see that conviction on your record. 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 are not exceeding Missouri’s limit of three misdemeanor expungements in your lifetime.
- At least one year has passed since completing the sentence, and you have not had any further convictions in that time period.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
When you work with the right Odessa, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer, they’ll stay by your side even if you are convicted. 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.
Our Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Fight For You in Odessa, MO
Misdemeanor accusations in Odessa, MO are a big deal. Combs Waterkotte is ready to deliver you a quality defense. By choosing our misdemeanor defense lawyers, you are setting yourself up for a positive outcome.
Together, we can find the way forward. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
