Felony Lawyer in St. Louis
Missouri Criminal Defense Attorneys
Last Updated: January 24, 2024
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Felony Lawyer
St. Louis, MO
Being charged with a felony in Missouri is something you need to take seriously. Missouri has some of the most stringent felony statutes in the United States, which is bad news if you happen to be someone who has been arrested and charged with a felony crime. When someone is arrested for a felony, they are usually in the dark as to what the implications are, as well as how it will impact their lives. In addition, facing felony charges is highly stressful and deeply worrying for the accused.
Missouri Felony Attorneys
If you have been recently arrested for a felony and you’re looking for answers and support, Combs Waterkotte is the place to turn to. Our firm is one of the most reputable criminal defense law firms in St. Louis, MO, and we have the knowledge and experience you need to navigate your way through the criminal justice system.
Reach out to our criminal defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP.
We have tried hundreds of felony cases in Missouri and can help you minimize the overall impact of felony charges on your life. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP and we can provide you a free, confidential consultation with a St. Louis felony lawyer that will answer all the questions you are asking about your felony charges.
See below for standard felony charges
- Theft & Burglary
- Forgery & Fraud
- Repetitive Vehicle Charges
- Aggravated Stalking
- Unlawful Possession of Firearms
- Arson
- Murder
According to Missouri law, felonies are a charge that may change your life forever. Don't wait to contact our St. Louis felony lawyers for more information if you've been convicted.
Can a Felony Be Removed From Your Record in St. Louis and Missouri?
In Missouri, a felony can be removed from someone's record under specific circumstances. This process is called a Felony Expungement, and several years ago, Missouri passed a new law that widened the scope of felony crimes that can be expunged from a record. This new law provides some hope for those who have been convicted of a felony because if they meet all its requirements, they have the potential for the crime to be permanently removed from their records. This means that whenever someone looked into their criminal background, such as during a background check for a job, it is highly likely the crime will not be discovered. We invite you to contact us if you are considering a Missouri felony expungement and have any other questions regarding this process.
Can You Get a Probation for a Felony in St. Louis, MO?
In Missouri, it is possible to get probation for a felony conviction. This is typically in the form of an SIS (suspended imposition of sentence) or an SES (suspended exposition of sentence). When you have been charged with a felony, it's possible, with the help of a top criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis, to work a plea arrangement with the prosecuting attorney assigned to your case. Combs Waterkotte has handled dozens of cases where the best possible outcome for our client was an SIS/SES. With an SIS, the client agrees to be put on probation for a specific period of time. If they successfully complete the probation, their felony conviction will not show up on their criminal record. In most cases, we have found the use of an SIS to be a very positive one for our clients. Although they will still be convicted of a felony and pleaded guilty, the end result is that their careers, jobs, and other negative consequences of a felony are diminished. Call us today to discuss your case and we can determine if an SIS or SES is a viable solution to your felony case.
Felony Charges in Missouri
Missouri’s legal framework categorizes felonies into distinct classes, each with specific types of offenses and varying degrees of severity. Understanding these classifications is crucial for anyone facing felony charges or seeking to comprehend the legal system’s workings. Below is a comprehensive list of felony charges categorized by their class, as defined in Missouri law.
Felony Charges in Missouri:
Convicted of a Felony in St. Louis, MO?
If you are arrested for a felony, it is crucial that you do all you can to avoid a felony conviction. Felony convictions have long-term ramifications on your life. If someone is a convicted felon in Missouri as well as most other states across the country, they are prevented from exercising some important rights and liberties. Common restrictions felons face in Missouri and elsewhere include:
- You are barred from voting in local, state, and federal elections
- You cannot be employed by certain governmental bodies, including as a police officer or firefighter
- You cannot benefit from state or federal welfare programs
- You cannot possess a firearm unless it is strictly for hunting
- You cannot sell alcohol or lottery tickets
Contact a St. Louis, MO Felony Defense Attorney
While many will say that a felony conviction will not rule you out of getting a job, the reality is that most companies consider it a black mark on your record. If they have two candidates of equal experience and knowledge, and one has a felony conviction on their record, it is highly likely they will choose the candidate who does not have a conviction. (It is important to note, though, that the city of St. Louis has barred all employers in the city, both public and private, from considering criminal history when making hiring or promotion decisions. There are several exceptions to what has been called the “Ban The Box” law, namely jobs that by law require companies or government bodies to exclude people with certain convictions.)
The best course of action is to call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact our firm online if you’ve been arrested or charged with a felony.