Criminal Defense Attorney in Barnhart, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Barnhart, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you understand that the situation is to be taken seriously. Just being convicted of a small crime could force you to pay an expensive fine, spend 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 a number of years locked up in the Missouri state prison system. And even after your reentry into society you will continue to pay through the loss of certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning guns, running for office, or holding certain jobs. In addition, in many situations, you will be forced to share your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which often heavily limits where they can live or work.

The winning Barnhart, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Barnhart-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm recognizes that sometimes good people can encounter hard times, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the damage a criminal conviction has on your freedom, reputation, and life. Our impressive history of success is notable among Barnhart criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do — just ask the satisfied Barnhart clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Barnhart, MO criminal case.

Barnhart, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is a scary enough circumstance, but when the charges you are facing are federal charges, they demand a heightened amount of legal intelligence and care. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win at all costs: the U.S. Justice Department regularly advertises that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. The overwhelming 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 stop at nothing to induce a guilty plea, make sure that you spend years in a federal prison, and carry a federal conviction on your record for the remainder of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Barnhart, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Barnhart, MO is not afraid 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 assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Barnhart area and helped them put what is an unquestionably harrowing 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 Barnhart, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Barnhart, 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 Barnhart, 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 can be confident that you will always get thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. You will always be able to reach and speak with the leading criminal defense attorney assigned to your case.

With your freedom and future hanging in the balance, it is imperative that you find someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not wait talking 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 dedicate our time and effort toward building your case 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 Barnhart, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A criminal conviction, even for a minor infraction or misdemeanor could result in a sizable fine, county jail time, 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 once you are labeled a convicted felon you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited 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 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 request a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Barnhart, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Barnhart, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Barnhart, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes that reflect 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 – a maximum of seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison

Ultimately, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case is influenced by a variety of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the exact terms of your punishment will be decided by the judge. The judge in your case will weigh 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 usually classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied 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. Conversely, with the representation and dedication of a talented Barnhart criminal defense attorney, what was originally a Class B felony could be dropped down to a lower felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a lesser punishment.

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 your case for your innocence is sound but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer will present your case meticulously to your peers in a jury trial, leaving the jury members to then decide whether or not you are guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Barnhart, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

As with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are classified 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 in certain cases. However, you can often avoid jail time for misdemeanors and instead agree to 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 Barnhart, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Barnhart, 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 Barnhart-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 given a traffic ticket in Barnhart, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Barnhart traffic ticket, you indirectly 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 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 at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over another time during this period you could be subject to stiffer penalties.

More and more Barnhart drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Barnhart traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal intelligence to every single one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Most importantly, our exceptional Barnhart 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 Barnhart, 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 Barnhart traffic ticket fixed.

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

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

Choosing the right Barnhart, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Barnhart defense attorneys, our firm places absolute satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that you will receive 24/7 access to the Barnhart criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter the circumstances, the place, or the hour, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Barnhart, from a small moving violation for failing to properly signal to serious felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule 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 time working with the experienced Barnhart, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.