Criminal Defense Attorney in California, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in California, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you know that the situation is a serious ordeal. Even a conviction for a small infraction could cause you to pay a large fine, do time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only are you at risk of several years locked up in the Missouri state prisons, but after your release from prison you will continue to pay through the loss of certain rights or privileges that most people take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding specific jobs. Also, in many instances, you will be mandated to disclose your status as a convicted felon on job or housing applications, which often drastically limits where they can work or live.

The winning California, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many men and women rise above criminal allegations in the California, MO area. Our firm realizes that sometimes decent people can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense lawyers work to limit the damage criminal charges have on your ability to live life. Our impressive history of winning cases is notable among California 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 California clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your California, MO criminal case.

California, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is stressful enough, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they demand an extra amount of legal knowledge and dilligence. Prosecutors for the United States courts are driven to win at all costs: the U.S. Department of Justice often brags that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. The overwhelming majority of those convictions result in 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 coax a guilty plea, guarantee 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 California, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near California, MO is not afraid to square 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 protected many California-area residents who were looking at all manner of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably troubling 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 California, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient California, 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 California, Missouri possess years 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 can rest assured that you will always receive thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. 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 freedom and future hanging in the balance, you need someone to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait reaching out to a California area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in California, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward building a sound approach to 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 get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in California, MO about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

A criminal conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor could result in a fine to pay, 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 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. Convicted felons are barred 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 suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, you are not without options. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be eligible to seek a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in California, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our California, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in California, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories that reflect 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 outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise punishment you are sentenced to is up to the judge. They will weigh factors 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. The enhancement is applied if you have prior convictions or for certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Conversely, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in California representing you, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a less severe.

You may also be able to have the charged dropped completely, if you have the right circumstances and a diligent and skillful criminal defense attorney. If you have a strong case but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your criminal defense lawyer with Combs Waterkotte will present your case meticulously to your peers in a jury trial, leaving the jury members to then determine whether or not you are guilty. Contact our California, 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 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

The classification of a misdemeanor can also 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. 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 California, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In California, 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 defense attorneys in the California, 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.

Being given a traffic ticket in California, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your California traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges you were pulled over for and they go on your driving record. Depending on the severity of your offense, you could be staring down a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will greatly increase. Tickets usually cannot be removed 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 subject to increased penalties.

More and more California drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their California traffic ticket lawyer, and for good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal intelligence to every one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works without rest to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, do not stay on your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our top-notch California traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to quality legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been written a traffic ticket in California, 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 fixing your California traffic ticket.

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

• 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
• Criminal Lawyer

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

Choosing the right California, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other California defense attorneys, our firm places absolute satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be sure that you will receive 24/7 access to the California criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in California, from a small traffic ticket for an improper lane change to serious felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we invite you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the skilled California, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.