Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you do not need to be told that the situation is to be taken seriously. Even being convicted of a minor infraction could cause you to pay a sizable fine, serve time in county jail, or have to spend several 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, but after your release from prison you will be further punished via loss of additional rights or privileges that most citizens assume they will always have. Convicted felons are banned from owning firearms, running for office, or holding specific jobs. Also, in many situations, you will be required to admit your status as a convicted felon on job or rent applications, which usually drastically curtails where they can work or live.

The winning Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Howard County-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm knows that sometimes decent people can have a stroke of misfortune, and our criminal defense firm works to limit the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your ability to live life. Our record of success distinguishes us from other Howard 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 Howard County 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 Howard County, MO criminal case.

Howard County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is stressful enough, but criminal charges at the federal level demand an extra stage of legal knowledge and focus. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department often boasts that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will use the full arsenal of resources at their disposal to coax 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 Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive outcomes for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Howard County, MO is not afraid to take on any opponent — whether they are 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 Howard County area and helped them put what is a certainly troubling 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 Howard County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Howard County, 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 Howard County, 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 will always get dedicated service and individual attention and care. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your freedom and future at risk of being taken from you, it is imperative that you find someone to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not put off speaking to a Howard County area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Howard 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 defense strategy 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 Howard County, MO about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

A criminal conviction for even a minor infraction or misdemeanor can leave you with a sizable fine, 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 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 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 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 an experienced criminal defense attorney in Howard County, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Howard County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Howard County, Missouri

In Missouri, felony crimes are classified into categories 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 – no more than seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – a maximum of four years in prison

In the end, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a number of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise terms of your punishment is determined by the judge. The judge in your case will take into account factors 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, so a crime usually classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied for some defendants with prior convictions or for certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. On the other hand, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Howard County representing you, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lesser class felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to obtain a less serious.

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 refuses 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 decide whether or not you are guilty. Contact our Howard County, 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 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 Howard County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Howard County, 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 Howard County, 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.

Getting a traffic ticket in Howard County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you elect to pay your Howard County traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges you were accused of and they go on your driving record. Depending on the degree of your offense, you could be looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will dramatically increase. Tickets generally 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 looking at stiffer penalties.

Many Howard County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Howard County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to all 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, after you’ve paid them, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our exceptional Howard County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional 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 issued a traffic ticket in Howard County, MO and do not want it to hamper your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and begin the process of fixing your Howard County traffic ticket.

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

Choosing the right Howard County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time in jail. In contrast to other Howard County defense attorneys, our firm places total client 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 Howard County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you are facing criminal charges in Howard County, from a simple traffic ticket for failing to properly signal to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up 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 driven Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.