Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Waverly, MO. If you think a misdemeanor is no big deal in Waverly, MO, think again. A conviction can affect everything from your ability to keep your job to a child custody battle. You can’t just roll over and let these allegations win – You need to fight them. And to do that, you need an expert Waverly, 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 get help navigating this situation, call us at (314) 900-HELP or send us a note online for a free, confidential consultation.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Why You Need an Experienced Waverly, 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.
Without a misdemeanor defense lawyer, you’re facing:
- An unforgiving team of state attorneys
- Days, weeks, or months of jail time
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
- A criminal record that will show up on job and housing applications
- Depending on the case type, a loss of your firearm rights
But when you work with an experienced local defense attorney, can look forward to:
- A defensive strategy tailored to your case
- Access to court relationships for plea negotiations
- Significantly improved chances of a positive outcome
- Expert advice on how to interact with the authorities
- Straightforward advice that is applicable to your case
Your defense matters. Protecting your reputation 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 You Need to Know About Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Waverly, MO
On paper, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is not that complex: 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. While there isn’t technically a limit on how long a “felony” sentence can be, in Missouri, the maximum is either thirty years or a life sentence, generally with nothing in between.
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. If you want to read about the different misdemeanor classes, we have a section outlining them below.
Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Escalations
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 Waverly, 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. But that’s not always the case: For example, taking public utility materials, like gas pipes, is always considered a felony, regardless of the value.
If you’re in a situation like this, you don’t just need a Waverly, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer. You need someone with experience as a felony charge lawyer who will fight for the lesser charge level.
Legal Videos
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …
Different Misdemeanor Classes in Waverly, MO
The four different classifications of misdemeanors in Missouri are A, B, C, and D. 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 Waverly:
Class A Misdemeanors
Penalties: Class A misdemeanors are the worst ones to be convicted of in Waverly, with up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
Examples: Vandalizing a cemetary, lesser assault charges, and lying to the Missouri Gaming Commission.
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, owning a defaced firearm, 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: Driving on the highway with unsecured cargo, 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.
When you work with a leading Waverly, MO, misdemeanor defense lawyer, you get insights on the best ways to handle your charges. Without one, you could miss out on potential plea deals or plead guilty without understanding the consequences.
How to Choose a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Waverly
There’s good news about picking a misdemeanor defense lawyer to work with in Waverly, MO: The process isn’t overly complicated. But it is important to get it right. An expert defense attorney can make the difference between a plea deal and months in jail.
Here’s how to evaluate your options and make a decision:
- Start talking to Waverly, MO attorneys right away – Set up interviews to get to know them.
- Ask what their history is with your charges – Experience can give them insights into the most effective defense tactics.
- 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 relationships with the local court – Many plea deals depend on connections with the state.
- 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 – Look online for reviews and accolades.
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 – You don’t want to be a lawyer’s first time defending this case type – experience gives them additional insights into best defense practices.
- Unrealistically Positive Expectations – A lawyer with your best interests in mind will be honest with you, even if it’s news that you don’t want to hear.
- Lack of Empathy – If your lawyer doesn’t care about you and your wellbeing, they may not take your case seriously.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 Waverly, MO
What are the long-term impacts of a criminal conviction? They can be wide-reaching, even for a misdemeanor:
- Career consequences, such as losing out on a professional license
- Strained familial relationships from separation and stress
- Damage to your reputation
- 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. 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. By expunging your misdemeanor records, you are taking a major step towards getting your life bac. To be eligible, you need to fit the following criteria:
- Expungement is allowed for the specific crime you were convicted of.
- You have, at most, expunged two misdemeanors in the past.
- 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 misdemeanor defense lawyer should do more than just fight the charges in Waverly, MO, court. 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.
Our Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Fight For You in Waverly, MO
Combs Waterkotte takes Waverly, MO, criminal defense seriously, from class D misdemeanors all the way up to class A felonies. Together, you and your misdemeanor defense lawyer can build a strong defense strategy that guards you against the accusations.
Set yourself up for a positive outcome. Call today at (314) 900-HELP or set up a free case review online.
