Criminal Defense Attorney in Fulton, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Fulton, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you understand the gravity of the charges that you are facing. Even being convicted of a small crime could force you to pay a sizable fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only increases 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 release you will be further punished via loss of additional rights or privileges that a large number of citizens assume they will always have. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, running in an election, or holding certain occupations. In addition, in many instances, you will be forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually heavily limits where they can work or live.

The winning Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many people overcome criminal convictions in the Fulton, MO area. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can encounter hard times, and our criminal defense lawyers work to limit the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our record of winning cases is notable among Fulton criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of all that we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Fulton clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Fulton, MO criminal case.

Fulton, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is intimidating enough, but criminal charges at the federal level require an extra level of legal acumen and care. 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 roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to coax a guilty plea, guarantee that you spend years in a federal prison, and have a federal conviction on your record for the remainder of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving favorable results for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Fulton, 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 Fulton area and helped them put what is an unquestionably scary 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 Fulton, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Fulton, 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 Fulton, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you can be confident that you will always get quality customer service and a thoughtful defense strategy. 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 very life on the line, it is imperative that you find someone to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not wait reaching out to a Fulton area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building your case and lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to talk to a criminal defense attorney in Fulton, MO 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, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. You could lose years of your life serving time encarcerated in state prisons, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are barred from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. 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 moving forward in life.

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 eligible to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Fulton, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Fulton, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Fulton, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes 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

In the end, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a variety of factors. If you are convicted of a felony, the exact terms of your punishment is up to the judge. They will take into account information such as the specific circumstances of the crime, your criminal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, meaning what is typically considered 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. Likewise, with the representation and dedication of a talented Fulton criminal defense attorney, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lesser class felony, a felony could be dropped down 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 is not willing 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 determine whether or not to find you guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like 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

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. 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 Fulton, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Fulton, 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 defense attorneys in the Fulton, MO area can help you through our excellent 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 Fulton, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you decide to pay your Fulton 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 drastically increase. Tickets usually cannot be expunged from your driving record for at least three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over another time during this period you could be subject to increased penalties.

An increasing number of Fulton drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Fulton traffic ticket lawyer, and for good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal acumen to every one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to ensure 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 affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our top-notch Fulton 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 Fulton, 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 fixing your Fulton traffic ticket.

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

Choosing the right Fulton, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time behind bars. In contrast to other Fulton 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 round-the-clock access to the Fulton criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter the circumstances, the place, or the hour, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you are facing criminal charges in Fulton, from a small moving violation for speeding to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but before that we invite you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the experienced Fulton, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.