Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Smithville, MO. A misdemeanor conviction can change your life. 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 Smithville, 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.
We will treat you and your case with respect, no matter what the allegation is. 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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How an Experienced Smithville, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help 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. A defense attorney can help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls when fighting your case.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- An unforgiving team of state attorneys
- Days, weeks, or months of jail time
- Fines and court fees that quickly add up
- A reputation as a criminal that doesn’t consider your situation
- Depending on the charge, this could negatively impact custody battles
But when you work with a knowledgeable local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- A collaborative defense process that is rooted in your side of the story
- Local connections that help you secure favorable plea deals
- Significantly improved odds for a favorable outcome
- Protection from self-incrimination and similar mistakes
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your rights matters. Keeping your record clean matters. And the firm you pick to defend you matters. At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to helping good people in bad situations, and will stick with you all the way.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Smithville, 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 uses a system to classify different levels of misdemeanors and felonies, with class A being the most serious of each. Sometimes, lower-level felonies (class D or E) can be reduced to a misdemeanor when your defense attorney negotiates a favorable plea deal. To learn more, read the below section on different misdemeanor classes, their punishments, and examples.
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, such as the use of a weapon.
A good example of the misdemeanor vs. felony divide in Missouri is theft offenses. Typically, in Missouri, you can face felony charges for supposedly stealing something worth $750 or more; otherwise, you’re generally looking at misdemeanor charges. But that’s not always the case: For example, pickpocketing someone is always considered a felony, regardless of the value.
When facing these types of charges, you can’t settle for just any Smithville, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. It’s important that they can also be your felony defense attorney, should the case come to that.
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Different Misdemeanor Classes in Smithville, MO
There are four different classes of misdemeanors in Missouri. Whichever one you’re facing, a Smithville, MO, misdemeanor defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte can help you face it. 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 Smithville, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Invasion of privacy, 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: Running a red light, 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, 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
The steps to choose a Smithville, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer might seem straightforward. But that doesn’t mean you can take it lightly. 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.
If you use the below steps to assess potential lawyers, you’ll have a good idea of who to work with:
- Start talking to Smithville, MO attorneys right away – Don’t wait while the prosecution gets a head start.
- Ask about experience with these types of cases – You want to work with someone who knows how to handle your charges.
- Ask how they will defend your case – While defense strategies can change over time, you want your lawyer to start with a plan.
- Ask about their relationship with the district attorney – 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.
- Look up the attorney’s history – Search online for reviews and peer endorsements.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good criminal defense attorney.
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Expungement: How Your Smithville, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Collateral Consequences
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
- Housing challenges when applying to rent
- Losing your driving privileges in DWI cases
- The potential loss of custody of your children, if contested
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
What’s worse, in Smithville, MO, there is no expiration date for the majority of misdemeanors. 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, the follow needs to apply:
- The conviction in question is eligible for expungement.
- You haven’t expunged more than two prior misdemeanors.
- You’ve obeyed the law and not committed any crimes in the past year since the sentence.
- You don’t owe the court any payments for fines, fees, etc..
- The state is not currently charging you with any wrongdoing.
When you work with the right Smithville, MO misdemeanor defense lawyer, they’ll stay by your side even if you are convicted. 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.
Our Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Fight For You in Smithville, MO
Misdemeanor accusations in Smithville, 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.
Set yourself up for a positive outcome. Speak with one of our team members at (314) 900-HELP or let us know how we can help online.
