Criminal Defense Attorney in Crawford County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Crawford County, MO. If you have been charged with a crime, you do not need to be told that the situation is a serious ordeal. Just being convicted of a small infraction could force you to pay an expensive fine, spend time in county jail, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend several years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system, but after your release from prison you will no longer be entitled to additional rights or privileges that most people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are banned from owning firearms, running for office, or holding certain jobs. In addition, in many cases, you could be mandated to mark your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which usually heavily limits where they can work or live.

The winning Crawford County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Crawford County-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm recognizes that people with good intetions can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your life, freedom, and reputation. Our impressive history of winning is notable among Crawford County 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 Crawford County clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Crawford County, MO criminal case.

Crawford County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is a scary enough circumstance, but criminal charges at the federal level demand a heightened stage of legal intelligence and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department regularly boasts that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to get a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a federal prison, and carry a federal conviction on your record for the rest of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Crawford County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive results for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Crawford County, 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 passionately on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many Crawford County-area residents who were looking at all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably 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 Crawford County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Crawford County, 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 Crawford County, Missouri have years of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis-based law firm, you can be confident that you will always receive thoughtful, personalized counsel. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You have one dedicated attorney on your case and you can reach our lawyers and paralegals any time.

With your freedom and future hanging in the balance, you need a legal ally to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not wait speaking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges in Crawford County, 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 talk to a criminal defense attorney in Crawford County, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

A criminal conviction for even a minor infraction or misdemeanor can leave you with a fine to pay, time to serve in jail, and/or years of supervised probation. When the crime is a felony, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. 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 so many of us 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 required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which is an obvious limination to achieving a productive, fruitful life.

If you are already a felon or believe you are likely to be convicted, all hope is not lost. 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 Crawford County, MO to learn about how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Crawford County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Crawford County, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are classified into categories based on the severity of the crime. Based 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 outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a variety of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the exact terms of your punishment is decided by the judge. The judge in your case will take into account factors including the situation surrounding the crime, your criminal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, so a crime 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 in certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Crawford County representing you, your original Class B charge could be dropped down to a lesser felony, a felony charge could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you a lesser punishment.

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 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 decide whether or not you are guilty. Contact our Crawford County, 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

The classification of a misdemeanor can also be enhanced in certain cases. 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 Crawford County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Crawford County, 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 Crawford County-based defense attorneys can help you through our expert 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 written a traffic ticket in Crawford County, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Crawford County traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges you were pulled over for 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 greatly increase. Tickets usually cannot be removed from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over once again during this period you could be looking at harsher penalties.

An increasing number of Crawford County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Crawford County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to every single one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our top-notch Crawford County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, giving you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Crawford County, 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 Crawford County traffic ticket fixed.

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

Finding the right Crawford County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Crawford County defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will receive anytime access to the Crawford County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or anything else.

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