Criminal Defense Attorney in Jefferson City, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Jefferson City, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you understand the weight of the charges that you are looking at. Just a conviction for a small misdemeanor could cause you to pay an expensive fine, serve time behind bars, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend several years locked up in the Missouri state prisons. And even after your reentry into society you will continue to pay through the loss of certain privileges or rights that a large number of citizens assume they will always have. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, running for office, or holding specific occupations. In addition, in many instances, you will be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which usually heavily curtails where they can live or work.

The experienced Jefferson City, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many people rise above criminal allegations in the Jefferson City, MO area. Our firm realizes that sometimes good people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense firm works to minimize the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our impressive history of success distinguishes us from other Jefferson City criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Jefferson City clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Jefferson City, MO criminal case.

Jefferson City, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is a scary enough circumstance, but criminal charges at the federal level demand an extra stage of legal knowledge and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department regularly boasts that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will stop at nothing to induce a guilty plea, guarantee that you spend years in a federal prison, and have a federal conviction on your record for the remainder of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Jefferson City, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving favorable results for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Jefferson City, MO is not scared to face off against any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many Jefferson City-area residents who were looking at all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably scary experience behind them. Read more about our expertise in federal criminal cases and what makes federal criminal cases different from state and municipal cases.

A Full-Service Jefferson City, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Jefferson City, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, like:

• 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 Jefferson City, Missouri have decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive quality customer service and a thoughtful defense strategy. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You will always be able to reach and speak with the leading criminal defense attorney assigned to your case.

With your very life at risk of being taken from you, it is imperative that you find a legal ally to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not put off reaching out to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy 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 Jefferson City, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. For felony charges, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. You could lose years of your life serving time encarcerated in state prisons, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or obtaining certain types of employment. Also, in many cases, as a felon you are forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on job or rental applications, which is an obvious limination to living a successful, lawful life.

If you are already a felon or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, all hope is not lost. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be eligible to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Jefferson City, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our Jefferson City, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Jefferson City, Missouri

In Missouri, felony crimes are categorized into five classes that reflect the severity of the crime. 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 – a maximum of seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – a maximum of four years in prison

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment will be up to the judge. The judge in your case will take into account information including the specific circumstances of 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 based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with the representation and dedication of a talented Jefferson City criminal defense attorney, what was originally a Class B charge could be reduced to a lesser class felony, a felony charge could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you 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 your case for your innocence is sound but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your criminal defense lawyer with Combs Waterkotte will take the fight to trial where they will present your case to a jury of your peers who will then determine whether or not you are guilty. Contact our Jefferson City, MO felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are grouped into categories based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, the maximum punishment allowed for a misdemeanor is a year in jail, and in many cases no jail time is required, but rather the payment of a fine.

• 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 Jefferson City, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City-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.

Getting a traffic ticket in Jefferson City, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your Jefferson City traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges you were accused of and they go on your driving record. Depending on the degree of your offense, you could be looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets generally cannot be struck from your driving record for at least three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over once again during this period you could be facing harsher penalties.

An increasing number of Jefferson City drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Jefferson City traffic ticket lawyer, and for good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal knowledge to every one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our top-notch Jefferson City traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, giving you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been written a traffic ticket in Jefferson City, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and begin the process of fixing your Jefferson City traffic ticket.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right Jefferson City, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time incarcerated. Unlike other Jefferson City defense attorneys, our firm places absolute satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will have anytime access to the Jefferson City criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Jefferson City, from a simple traffic ticket for speeding to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but before you call we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the skilled Jefferson City, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.