Criminal Defense Attorney in Jennings, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Jennings, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you do not need to be told the gravity of the charges that you are looking at. Even a conviction for a minor misdemeanor could force you to pay an expensive fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only are you at risk of a number of years in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your release from prison you will be further punished via loss of additional privileges or rights that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning guns, running for office, or holding specific occupations. Also, in many instances, you will be mandated to share your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually drastically curtails where they can live or work.

The winning Jennings, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many people overcome criminal allegations in the Jennings, MO area. Our firm gets that sometimes good people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to limit the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your ability to live life. Our impressive history of success is notable among Jennings criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of all that we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Jennings 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 Jennings, MO criminal case.

Jennings, 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 care. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Department of Justice regularly brags that it has a conviction rate of around 90 percent. The vast majority of those convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out every trick in the book to induce a guilty plea, make sure 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 Jennings, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and winning positive results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Jennings, 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 fought for many Jennings-area residents who were looking at all kinds of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and 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 Jennings, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Jennings, 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 Jennings, Missouri possess decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive thoughtful, personalized counsel. Whether 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 in jeopardy, it is imperative that you find someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not wait talking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward 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 Jennings, MO criminal defense attorney 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 fine to pay, time to serve in jail, and/or years of supervised probation. 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 once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited 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 applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which is an obvious limination to moving forward in life.

If you are already a felon or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, all hope is not lost. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be eligible to request a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Jennings, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Jennings, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Jennings, Missouri

In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes based on 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 – no more than 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 number of factors. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise terms of your punishment is determined by the judge. They will take into account information 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, 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 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 Jennings representing you, what was originally a Class B charge could be dropped down to a lower felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to obtain 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 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 Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Jennings, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

As with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are categorized based on severity. Rather than time in state prison and possible parole supervision, 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 based upon the circumstances or your criminal history. 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 Jennings, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Jennings, 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 Jennings-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 Jennings, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Jennings traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will greatly increase. Tickets usually cannot be struck from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be subject to harsher penalties.

An increasing number of Jennings drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Jennings traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal acumen to all its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works without rest to ensure 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 affect insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Most importantly, our premier Jennings 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 written a traffic ticket in Jennings, 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 fixing your Jennings traffic ticket.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Jennings, 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

Hire Your Jennings, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right Jennings, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time incarcerated. Unlike other Jennings defense attorneys, our firm places total client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be sure that you will get 24/7 access to the Jennings 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 facing criminal charges in Jennings, from a simple traffic ticket for speeding to serious felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Call 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 time working with the skilled Jennings, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.