Criminal Defense Attorney in Rolla, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Rolla, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a crime, you understand the gravity of the charges that you are looking at. Even a conviction for a minor infraction could cause you to pay an expensive fine, serve time in county jail, or have to spend multiple years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend several years in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your reentry into society you will no longer enjoy additional rights or privileges that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, running for office, or holding certain occupations. Also, in many cases, you will be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often severely curtails where they can work or live.

The skilled Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many men and women rise above criminal allegations in the Rolla, MO area. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense firm works to limit the effect criminal charges have on your life, freedom, and reputation. Our record of winning cases distinguishes us from other Rolla criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of all that we do — just ask the satisfied Rolla 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 Rolla, MO criminal case.

Rolla, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is a scary enough circumstance, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they demand an extra amount of legal intelligence and dilligence. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Department of Justice often brags that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out every trick in the book to coax a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and resign you to live the rest of your life with a federal criminal conviction.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Rolla, 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 Rolla, MO is not afraid to square 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 protected many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Rolla area and helped them put what is an undoubtably harrowing 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 Rolla, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Rolla, 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 Rolla, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer from our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always get 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 can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your very life on the line, you need someone to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not wait reaching out to a Rolla area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Rolla, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward 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 speak to a Rolla, MO criminal defense attorney 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 may be sentenced to years in the state prison system, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are limited from purchasing or possessing firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or obtaining certain types of employment. 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 is an obvious obstacle to achieving a productive, fruitful life.

If you have already received a felony conviction or believe you are likely to be convicted, do not panic. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be able to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Rolla, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our Rolla, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Rolla, Missouri

In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes based on the severity. Based on the class of your felony conviction, 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 – a maximum of four years in prison

In the end, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a variety of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact punishment you are sentenced to is determined by the judge. They will take into account factors such as the situation surrounding the crime, your criminal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, so a crime usually 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. Conversely, with the representation and dedication of a talented Rolla criminal defense attorney, your original Class B felony could be dropped down to a lower class felony, a felony could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue 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 your case for your innocence is sound but the prosecutor is not willing to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer 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 to find you guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are grouped into categories based on severity. Rather than time in state prison and possible parole supervision, 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, in misdemeanor cases your defense attorney can often help you avoid serving jail time in favor of a period of supervision known as probation. As conditions of your probation sentence, you may be required to fulfill additional requirements 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 Rolla, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Rolla, MO

Did you know Combs Waterkotte also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our defense attorneys in the Rolla, MO area 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.

Getting a traffic ticket in Rolla, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you elect to pay your Rolla traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the type of your offense, you could be facing 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, which means that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be facing increased penalties.

More and more Rolla drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Rolla traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal acumen to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Best of all, our premier Rolla traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been written a traffic ticket in Rolla, MO and do not want it to hamper your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of getting your Rolla traffic ticket fixed.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Rolla, 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.

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Hire Your Rolla, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right Rolla, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time behind bars. Unlike other Rolla 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 get round-the-clock access to the Rolla criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are facing criminal charges in Rolla, from a small moving violation for an improper lane change to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but preceding that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the skilled Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.