Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Trimble, MO. Some people dismiss misdemeanor accusations because they aren’t felonies. Don’t make that mistake. A conviction can affect everything from your future career to a child custody battle. Finding a deal and/or fighting for your innocence is essential. And to do that, you need an expert Trimble, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s top criminal defense law firm and has handled thousands of cases, many just like yours. 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 discover your best path forward, call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential case review.
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How an Experienced Trimble, 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.” While this is true, you need to be careful about underestimating the charges. 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
- 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
- Depending on the allegation, the loss of your driver’s license
But when you work with an experienced local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- A custom defense that is designed for your situation
- Local connections that help you secure favorable plea deals
- Greatly increased odds for a favorable outcome
- Protection from self-incrimination and similar mistakes
- Open, honest insights on the best way forward for your situation
Your defense 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 we are ready to help you, day or night.
What’s the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Trimble, 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. 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. You can learn more about the different classifications of misdemeanors 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. This depends in part on prosecutorial discretion, but also depends on the surrounding context.
Theft is a common example of the misdemeanor vs. felony line in Trimble, MO. Missouri defines felony theft as the unlawful taking of $750 (or more) worth of value, and misdemeanor as anything below that. However, there are exceptions: For example, pickpocketing someone 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 Trimble, MO, felony defense lawyer, if the state isn’t being lenient with you.
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Misdemeanor Charge Classes Our Defense Lawyers 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. 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, lesser assault charges, 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 in excess of 20mph, misusing 911 phone lines, and many forms of trespassing.
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.
Regardless of what class your charge is, it’s important to work with an expert Trimble, 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.
Steps to Pick a Trimble, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Trimble, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. 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.
Here’s how to evaluate your options and make a decision:
- Reach out to Trimble, MO attorneys immediately – 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 if they have any initial plans to defend you – Ideally, your attorney should have an initial plan for how to defend you.
- Ask about their relationship with the district attorney – This not only gives them an edge in trial, but also gives your attorney something to lean on in plea negotiations.
- Ask about how payments will work – You want to work with a misdemeanor defense lawyer who will charge you fairly.
- Research the attorney’s reputation – Search online for reviews and testimonials.
Now that you know how to find a good criminal defense attorney, it’s time to start making calls.
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How a Trimble, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Can Help You Expunge Your Record
A criminal conviction can have serious long-term impacts, even just for a misdemeanor:
- Employment consequences, such as being denied a job or security clearance
- Financial costs from fines, court fees, and more expenses
- Losing your driving privileges in DWI cases
- The potential loss of custody of your children, if contested
- Citizenship eligibility hurdles for immigrants
If you were hoping that a misdemeanor conviction in Trimble 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. 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:
- Expungement is allowed for the specific crime you were convicted of.
- You have, at most, expunged two misdemeanors in the past.
- 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..
- You don’t have any other criminal charges pending.
Your Trimble, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer’s job doesn’t end after the verdict. They should guide you through any options after your case to set you up for success moving forward. Expungement can seem complicated on your own, but with the right attorney, it can turn your life around.
Get Help From an Expert Trimble, MO, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today: Call Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte takes Trimble, MO, criminal defense seriously, from class D misdemeanors all the way up to class A felonies. By choosing our misdemeanor defense lawyers, you are setting yourself up for a positive outcome.
Give yourself another chance. Start building your defense today at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
