Criminal Defense Attorney Sedalia, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Sedalia, MO. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you understand the gravity of the charges that you are facing. Just being convicted of a minor infraction could force you to pay a hefty fine, serve time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend multiple years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system, but following your release you will continue to pay through the loss of certain rights or privileges that a large number of people take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, running in an election, or holding certain jobs. In addition, in many instances, you could be mandated to share your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often drastically curtails where they can live or work.

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

Sedalia, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is stressful enough, but criminal charges at the federal level require an extra caliber of legal intelligence and care. 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 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 all the stops to coax a guilty plea, ensure 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 Sedalia, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting favorable results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Sedalia, MO is not scared to face off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Sedalia area and helped them put what is a certainly 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 Sedalia, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, Missouri possess decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer with our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you will always receive thoughtful, personalized counsel. 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 on the line, it is imperative that you find someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not put off speaking to a Sedalia area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward 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 Sedalia, MO about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor can leave you with a sizable fine, time to serve in jail, and/or years of supervised probation. When the crime is a felony, a conviction can have a much more significant impact on your life. You could lose years of your life serving time in the state prison system, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons 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 forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on job or rental applications, which often severely limits where you can work or live.

If you have already received a felony conviction 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 seek a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Sedalia, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Sedalia, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Sedalia, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories that reflect the severity of the crime. 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 – a maximum of seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – a maximum of four years in prison

Ultimately, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise terms of your punishment is 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.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, meaning a crime typically classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied for some defendants with prior convictions or for certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Sedalia representing you, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lower felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a less serious.

You may also be able to avoid a criminal conviction altogether, if you have the right circumstances and a diligent and skillful criminal defense attorney. If you have a strong case demonstrating your innocence 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 you are guilty. Contact our Sedalia, MO felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

As with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are classified 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 Sedalia, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Sedalia, MO

Did you know that Combs Waterkotte can also help you resolve traffic tickets and other traffic law matters? Even if you have not been accused of committing a criminal act, our Sedalia-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.

Getting a traffic ticket in Sedalia, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your Sedalia traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges you were pulled over for 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 expunged from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be looking at stiffer penalties.

A growing number of Sedalia drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Sedalia traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to all its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works without rest 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 rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our top-notch Sedalia traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, allowing you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Sedalia, MO and do not want it to stay on your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of getting your Sedalia traffic ticket fixed.

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

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

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

Choosing the right Sedalia, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Sedalia defense attorneys, our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will get 24/7 access to the Sedalia criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you are facing criminal charges in Sedalia, from a small moving violation for speeding to serious felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the experienced Sedalia, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.