Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County, MO. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you do not need to be told the gravity of the charges that you are looking at. Even being convicted of a minor infraction could cause you to pay an expensive fine, do time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only are you at risk of a number of years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system. And even following your reentry into society you will continue to pay through the loss of certain rights or privileges that a large number of people take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms, running for office, or holding specific occupations. In addition, in many cases, you could be required to admit your status as a convicted felon on rent or employment applications, which often severely limits where they can live or work.

The winning Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many men and women rise above criminal allegations in the Howard County, MO area. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can encounter hard times, and our criminal defense firm works to limit the detremental consequences criminal charges have on your ability to live life. Our record of winning is notable among 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 — just ask the satisfied Howard County clients who have worked with Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Howard County, MO criminal case.

Howard County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is intimidating in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level require a heightened stage of legal acumen and care. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department often brags 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 an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to induce a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a federal prison, and resign you to live the rest of your life with a federal criminal conviction.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast 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 Howard County, MO is not scared to take on any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have assisted many Howard County-area residents who were looking at all kinds of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and 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 proficient 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 possess decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer from our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you can rest assured that you will always get dedicated service and individual attention and care. 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 freedom and future in jeopardy, it is imperative that you find a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait reaching out to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges in Howard County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can get to work building a sound approach to your case and lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Howard County, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. 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 as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are limited from purchasing or possessing 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 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. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in Howard County, MO to learn about how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Howard County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Howard County, Missouri

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 – 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 is influenced by a variety of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise terms of your punishment will be decided by 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, so a crime typically considered 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. Likewise, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Howard County representing you, your original Class B charge could be dropped down to a lesser felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you a less severe.

You may also be able to avoid a criminal conviction altogether, 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 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 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. 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

Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can 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 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 Howard County-based defense attorneys 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 written a traffic ticket in Howard County, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Howard County traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the degree 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, meaning that if you are pulled over another time during this window you could be subject to increased penalties.

An increasing number of Howard County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Howard County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal intelligence to every one of its cases, even minor 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, are removed from your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our premier Howard 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 written a traffic ticket in Howard 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 begin the process of getting your Howard County traffic ticket fixed.

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.

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing 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 incarcerated. Unlike other Howard County 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 get round-the-clock access to the Howard County criminal defense lawyer that is 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 Howard County, from a simple traffic ticket for speeding to severe 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 you call we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the skilled Howard County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.