Criminal Defense Attorney in Bates County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Bates County, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you understand the grave nature of the charges that you are looking at. Even a conviction for a small crime could cause you to pay an expensive fine, do time behind bars, or have to spend several years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only are you at risk of a number of years locked up in the Missouri state prison system, but following your release you will continue to pay through the loss of additional rights or privileges that many citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning guns, running for office, or holding certain jobs. In addition, in many situations, you could be required to admit your status as a convicted felon on rent or employment applications, which usually heavily limits where they can live or work.

The winning Bates County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Bates County-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our record of success is notable among Bates County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of everything we do — just ask the satisfied Bates County clients who have worked with Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Bates County, MO criminal case.

Bates County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is stressful in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level demand an extra stage of legal intelligence and dilligence. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department regularly advertises that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. The vast majority of those convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to induce a guilty plea, guarantee that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and carry a federal conviction on your record for the remainder of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Bates County, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Bates County, MO is not afraid to face off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Bates County area and helped them put what is an unquestionably scary experience in their rear-view mirror. Read more about our expertise in federal criminal cases and what makes federal criminal cases different from state and municipal cases.

A Full-Service Bates County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Bates County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, including:

• Motor Vehicle Tampering
• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Theft/Larceny
• Probation Violations
• Drug Charges and Possession

The criminal defense attorneys of Combs Waterkotte based in Bates County, Missouri possess decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis-based law firm, you will always receive personalized care and dedicated representation. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You have one dedicated attorney on your case and you can reach our lawyers and paralegals any time.

With your freedom and future on the line, it is imperative that you find a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not procrastinate reaching out to a Bates County area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Bates County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward building your case and lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Bates County, MO about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A criminal conviction for even a low class misdemeanor can leave you with a fine to pay, time to serve in jail, and/or years of supervised probation. For felony charges, a conviction can have a much more significant impact on your life. You could lose years of your life serving time encarcerated in state prisons, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. Also, in many cases, as a felon you are required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which often severely limits where you can work or live.

If you are already a felon or believe you are likely to be convicted, you are not without options. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be eligible to seek a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Bates County, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Bates County, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Bates County, Missouri

In Missouri, felony crimes are categorized into five classes based on the severity. Depending on what class felony you are convicted of, the punishment will vary.

• Class A Felony – minimum of 10 years and no more than 30 years in prison, or life in prison
• Class B Felony – at least five but no more than 15 years in prison
• Class C Felony – between three and 10 years in prison
• Class D Felony – no more than seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison

In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise terms of your punishment will be determined by the judge. They will take into account information including the situation surrounding the crime, your personal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, meaning what is typically classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen if you have prior convictions or in crimes that are determined to have been carried out due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with the representation and dedication of a talented Bates County criminal defense attorney, your original Class B charge could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain a less severe.

In some cases with the right circumstances and the skill of an experienced defense attorney, you can have the charges dropped entirely. If you have a strong case demonstrating your innocence but the prosecutor is not willing to drop the charges, your criminal defense lawyer with Combs Waterkotte will present your case meticulously to your peers in a jury trial, leaving the jury members to then decide whether or not to find you guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Bates County, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are categorized into groups based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one year in county or city jail or may just involve fines.

• Class A Misdemeanor – up to one year in jail; a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor – up to six months in jail; a fine of up to $1,000
• Class C Misdemeanor – up to 15 days in jail; a fine of up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor – a fine of up to $500

Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can be enhanced based upon the circumstances or your criminal history. However, you can often avoid jail time for misdemeanors and instead agree to a period of supervision known as probation. You may also be required to meet additional requirements as a condition of your probation, such as community service or competition of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Misdemeanors are not to be taken lightly, but are not as serious as felony convictions and a good criminal defense attorney can help you get an outcome that is minimally disruptive to your life and allows you to move forward in a positive light. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and your options with a defense attorney near Bates County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Bates County, MO

Did you know that Combs Waterkotte can also help you resolve traffic tickets and other traffic law matters? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our Bates County-based defense attorneys can help you through our excellent traffic law services. Affordable and effective as attorneys against traffic tickets, do not let our record of success in difficult criminal cases intimidate you or dissuade you from hiring us for top traffic ticket legal representation.

Being written a traffic ticket in Bates County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you decide to pay your Bates County traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges you were pulled over for and they go on your driving record. Depending on the type of your offense, you could be looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will dramatically increase. Tickets generally cannot be struck from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over again during this window you could be facing increased penalties.

An increasing number of Bates County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Bates County traffic ticket lawyer, and for good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to every single one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works without rest to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our premier Bates County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, allowing you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Bates County, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of fixing your Bates County traffic ticket.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Bates County, MO area attorneys of Combs Waterkotte have the skill and expertise you need from your lawyer in any criminal or personal injury case. Learn more about the types of cases we win below.

• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Hire Your Bates County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Choosing the right Bates County, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Bates County defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will have anytime access to the Bates County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are facing criminal charges in Bates County, from a small traffic ticket for speeding to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but before that we invite you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the experienced Bates County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.