Criminal Defense Attorney in Festus, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Festus, MO. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you know that the situation is to be taken seriously. Even a conviction for a minor misdemeanor could force you to pay a large fine, spend time in county jail, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only are you subject to several years in the Missouri state prison system, but after your release you will be further punished via loss of additional privileges or rights that a large number of people take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding certain occupations. Also, in many instances, you could be forced to mark your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often drastically limits where they can work or live.

The experienced Festus, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many Festus-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm recognizes that people with good intetions can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the effect a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our record of winning cases distinguishes us from other Festus criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of all that we do — just ask the satisfied Festus 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 Festus, MO criminal case.

Festus, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is stressful in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level demand a heightened level of legal acumen and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Department of Justice often boasts that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are 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 induce 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 Festus, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and winning favorable outcomes for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Festus, MO is not scared 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 protected many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Festus 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 Festus, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Festus, 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 Festus, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a criminal defense attorney 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. 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 very life at risk of being taken from you, it is imperative that you find a legal ally to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait reaching out to a Festus area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Festus, 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 Festus, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. 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 will no longer have certain rights or privileges that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from purchasing or possessing firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. 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 are already a felon or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, do not panic. 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. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Festus, MO to learn about how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Festus, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Festus, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes based on the severity of the crime. 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 – a maximum of four years in prison

In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case is influenced by a number of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment will be up to the judge. The judge in your case will take into account factors such as the situation surrounding the crime, your personal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, so what is typically classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen 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 Festus criminal defense attorney, what was originally a Class B charge could be dropped down to a lower class felony, a felony charge could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you a less severe.

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 criminal defense lawyer with Combs Waterkotte 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 our Festus, 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

Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can 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. 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 Festus, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Festus, 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 Festus-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 given a traffic ticket in Festus, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your Festus traffic ticket, you indirectly plead guilty to the charges you were accused of and they go on your driving record. Depending on the type of your offense, you could be staring down a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets in general cannot be removed from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be looking at harsher penalties.

A growing number of Festus drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Festus traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to every one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, do not stay on your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Most importantly, our premier Festus 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 issued a traffic ticket in Festus, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of getting your Festus traffic ticket fixed.

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

Choosing the right Festus, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Festus defense attorneys, our firm places complete 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 Festus 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 are looking at criminal charges in Festus, from a simple traffic ticket for failing to properly signal to federal felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up 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 skilled Festus, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.