Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Polo, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. 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 Polo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte’s team of experienced criminal defense lawyers is here to serve you. We have handled over 15,000 cases, and are ready to begin working on yours today. 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 get help navigating this situation, call us at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consult.
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What a Leading Polo, 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.” And while it is less serious than a felony, that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. Your defense attorney should guide you through common slip-ups people make and provide expert insights.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- An unforgiving team of state attorneys
- The loss of your freedom
- Fines and court fees that quickly add up
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- Depending on the allegation, you could lose custody of your child
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, you get:
- Expert insights into your defense
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Greatly increased chances of a favorable outcome
- Protection from self-incrimination and similar mistakes
- Straightforward advice that is applicable to your case
Your defense matters. Maintaining your reputation matters. And the firm you pick to defend you 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 Polo, 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. 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.
When Can Misdemeanors be Escalated Into Felonies?
Sometimes, the same action on paper can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
Resisting arrest is an example of an allegation which could draw either misdemeanor or felony charges. 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.
Protecting yourself in this situation is even more important than usual. You need a misdemeanor defense lawyer who can also be your Polo, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Different Misdemeanor Classes in Polo, MO
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. Your Polo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you fight any 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 worst ones to be convicted of in Polo, 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 lying to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
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: lying in an affidavit, animal neglect, 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 Polo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer, you get insights on the best ways to handle your charges. Without one, you can slip up without even realizing it, and put your freedom in jeopardy.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Polo
The steps to choose a Polo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. But you still need to take the process very seriously. The right attorney can help you find defenses you wouldn’t have thought of. The wrong one won’t give your case the attention it deserves.
Follow these steps to determine what attorney is right for you:
- Start talking to Polo, MO attorneys right away – The longer you take to get started, the tougher it will be to fight your case.
- Ask if they have previously fought these (or related) charges – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask if they have any initial plans to defend you – Ideally, your attorney should have an initial plan for how to defend you.
- Ask about local court connections – These can come in handy for securing plea deals.
- Ask about fees/pricing transparency – Your misdemeanor defense lawyer should be transparent when discussing fees, not evasive.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Research 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.
Red Flags to Avoid
When you’re picking your misdemeanor defense lawyer, asking the right questions is a good start. But you also need to watch out for 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. Similarly, beware of attorneys who try to oversell themselves. 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. If your lawyer doesn’t care about you, they may not put the effort into your case that it requires. Instead, you want a lawyer who treats you like a person, not a case number.
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Expungement: How Your Polo, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Collateral Consequences
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
- Firearm rights in domestic violence cases
- Lower your chance of winning custody battles
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Polo, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. However, through expungement, you do have a path forward to clear your name.
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 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.
- There are no outstanding fees, fines, or other payments for your case.
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
Your Polo, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer’s job doesn’t end after the verdict. After a case, your attorney can help you decide on the best course to move your life forward. With the help of an attorney, a conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
Combs Waterkotte’s Polo, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers are Ready to Represent You Today
Misdemeanor accusations in Polo, MO are a big deal. Combs Waterkotte is ready to deliver you a quality defense. 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or let us know how we can help online.
