Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a crime, you understand the gravity of the charges that you are looking at. Just being convicted of a small misdemeanor could cause you to pay a large fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend several years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only increases these consequences: not only are you subject to multiple years encarcerated in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your reentry into society you will no longer enjoy additional privileges or rights that a large number of citizens assume they will always have. Convicted felons are banned from owning firearms, running for office, or holding certain occupations. In addition, in many situations, you could be mandated to share your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often drastically curtails where they can work or live.

The skilled Richmond, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many people overcome criminal convictions in the Richmond, MO area. Our firm knows that sometimes decent people can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense firm works to limit the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your life, freedom, and reputation. Our impressive history of success is notable among Richmond criminal defense law firms, and we pride ourselves on the special focus we place on our personalized touch and availability to our clients — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Richmond clients who have worked with Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Richmond, MO criminal case.

Richmond, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is a scary enough circumstance, but criminal charges at the federal level demand a heightened stage of legal knowledge and care. Prosecutors for the United States courts are driven to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department regularly touts that it has a conviction rate of around 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will stop at nothing to induce a guilty plea, ensure 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 Richmond, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Richmond, MO is not scared to square off against any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have fought for many Richmond-area residents who were facing all kinds of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is a certainly 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 Richmond, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Richmond, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, such as:

• 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 Richmond, Missouri have years of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from our hard-working St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive dedicated service and individual attention and care. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. You can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your very life on the line, it is imperative that you find a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait reaching out to a Richmond area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Richmond, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy and allowing you to breathe you to breathe a little easier as we tackle the looming uncertainty of an impending criminal court proceeding. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to talk to a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

A conviction for even a minor infraction or misdemeanor can leave you with a sizable fine, county jail time, 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 will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are limited 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 obstacle to living a successful, lawful life.

If you are already a felon or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, do not lose hope. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be able to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Richmond, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Richmond, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Richmond, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories based on 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 – no more than seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison

Ultimately, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a number of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise terms of your punishment will be up to the judge. They will take into account information including the specific circumstances of the crime, your criminal 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 for some defendants with prior convictions or for crimes that are determined to have been carried out due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. On the other hand, with the representation and dedication of a talented Richmond criminal defense attorney, your original Class B felony could be dropped down to a lower class felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to obtain a less serious.

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 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 Richmond, 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 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, in misdemeanor cases your defense attorney can often help you avoid serving jail time in favor of 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 Richmond, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Richmond, MO

Did you know Combs Waterkotte also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have not been accused of committing a criminal act, our Richmond-based defense attorneys can help you through our expert traffic ticket legal 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 given a traffic ticket in Richmond, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you decide to pay your Richmond 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 facing a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will greatly increase. Tickets generally cannot be removed from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be subject to harsher penalties.

More and more Richmond drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Richmond traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal acumen to every single one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or influence insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Best of all, our top-notch Richmond 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 given a traffic ticket in Richmond, MO and do not want it to hamper your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and begin the process of fixing your Richmond traffic ticket.

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

Selecting the right Richmond, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time behind bars. Unlike other Richmond 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 Richmond criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter the circumstances, the place, or the hour, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are facing criminal charges in Richmond, from a small moving violation for failing to properly signal to severe felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the driven Richmond, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.