Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is here to serve you. We have handled over 15,000 cases, and are ready to begin working on yours today. When you work with one of our misdemeanor defense attorneys, we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
Don’t settle for a subpar defense just because your case is a misdemeanor. To get help navigating this situation, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-obligation consultation.
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Why You Need a Leading Peculiar, 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. 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:
- The police, witnesses, and a prosecutor who want to see you behind bars
- A jail sentence that will tear you away from your job and family
- Fines and court fees
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- In some cases, the loss of your driver’s license
But when you work with an experienced local defense attorney, you get:
- A custom defense that is designed for your situation
- Local connections that help you secure favorable plea deals
- Significantly improved chances of a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your rights matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And the misdemeanor defense attorney you choose 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.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Peculiar, MO?
While individual laws can be very different, the difference between misdemeanors and felonies as categories is easier to understand: 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?
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.
Theft is a common example of the misdemeanor vs. felony line in Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Peculiar, MO Misdeameanor Classes Our Lawyers Defend
There are four different classes of misdemeanors in Missouri. Whichever one you’re facing, a Peculiar, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you face it. Below, you can read about the different categories and common examples of each in Peculiar:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors are the worst ones to be convicted of in Peculiar, 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 general probation/parole violations.
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, misusing 911 phone lines, 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: Running a red light, trying to hurt a police animal, 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 Peculiar, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer to protect your rights and future. Without one, you can slip up without even realizing it, and put your freedom in jeopardy.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Peculiar
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Peculiar, 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 talking to Peculiar, MO attorneys right away – Don’t wait while the prosecution gets a head start.
- Ask if they have previously fought these (or similar) charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask if they have any initial plans to defend you – While defense strategies can change over time, you want your lawyer to start with a plan.
- Ask about local court connections – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- Ask about the cost – Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should be transparent when discussing fees, not evasive.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Search online for reviews and past victories.
When you ask the right questions and conduct research, you’ll be much more likely to find the right criminal defense attorney.
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How a Peculiar, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
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 automatic suspensions from public jobs
- Financial costs from fines, court fees, and more expenses
- Damage to your reputation
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Delays in citizenship applications for immigrants
What’s worse, in Peculiar, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. But Missouri does offer a path to clear its citizens’ records: Expungement.
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:
- Expungement is allowed for the specific crime you were convicted of.
- 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.
- You don’t owe the court any payments for fines, fees, etc..
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
Your Peculiar, 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. 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 Peculiar, MO
Misdemeanor accusations in Peculiar, 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.
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.
