Criminal Defense Attorney in Newton County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Newton County, MO. If you have been charged with a crime, you do not need to be told that the situation is to be taken seriously. Just being convicted of a minor infraction could cause you to pay a large fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend several years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend multiple years in the Missouri state prisons. And even after your release you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that most citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are barred from owning guns, running in an election, or holding certain occupations. Also, in many instances, you will be required to admit your status as a convicted felon on rent or employment applications, which often severely curtails where they can live or work.

The experienced Newton County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many people overcome criminal convictions in the Newton County, MO area. Our firm recognizes that sometimes decent people can have a stroke of misfortune, and our criminal defense lawyers work to limit the effect a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our record of winning cases is notable among Newton County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of all that we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Newton County clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Newton County, MO criminal case.

Newton County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is stressful in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level require a heightened caliber of legal knowledge and dilligence. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Department of Justice often boasts that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will stop at nothing to induce a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and carry a federal conviction on your record for the remainder of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Newton County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving favorable results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Newton County, MO is not afraid to square off against any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many Newton County-area residents who were facing all manner of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably scary 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 Newton County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Newton County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, like:

• 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 Newton County, Missouri have years of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our hard-working St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. 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 very life in jeopardy, you need someone to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not wait talking to a Newton County area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Newton County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy 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 Newton County, MO about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

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 could lose years of your life serving time in the state prison system, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or obtaining certain types of employment. 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 obstacle to achieving a productive, fruitful life.

If you are already a felon or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, you are not without options. 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. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Newton County, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Newton County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Newton County, Missouri

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

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact punishment you are sentenced to will be decided by the judge. They will weigh information such as the specific circumstances of the crime, your personal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, meaning what is usually 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 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 the representation and dedication of a talented Newton County criminal defense attorney, what was originally a Class B charge could be reduced 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 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 your case for your innocence is sound 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 you are guilty. Contact our Newton County, 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 classified based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, 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

The classification of a misdemeanor can also be enhanced based upon the circumstances or your criminal history. However, you can often avoid jail time for misdemeanors and instead agree to 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 Newton County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Newton County, MO

Did you know Combs Waterkotte also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our defense attorneys in the Newton County, MO area 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 Newton County, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Newton 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 staring down a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets in general 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 period you could be looking at increased penalties.

A growing number of Newton County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Newton County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal intelligence to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our premier Newton County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, allowing you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Newton 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 start the process of getting your Newton County traffic ticket fixed.

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

Selecting the right Newton County, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other Newton County defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will receive round-the-clock access to the Newton County criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Newton County, from a simple traffic ticket for an improper lane change to federal felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the experienced Newton County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.