Criminal Defense Attorney in Perryville, MO
Criminal Defense Attorney in Perryville, MO. If you have been recently arrested and charged with a crime, you know that the situation is to be taken seriously. Just a conviction for a minor crime could force you to pay an expensive fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only are you subject to a number of years in the Missouri state prisons, but following your reentry into society you will continue to pay through the loss of certain privileges or rights that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are barred from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding certain occupations. In addition, in many instances, you could be mandated to mark your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which usually severely curtails where they can work or live.
The winning Perryville, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many men and women overcome criminal convictions in the Perryville, 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 minimize the effect criminal charges have on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our impressive history of success is notable among Perryville 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 Perryville clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Perryville, MO criminal case.
Perryville, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being arrested is a scary enough circumstance, but criminal charges at the federal level require an extra stage of legal intelligence and dilligence. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department often advertises that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. The vast majority of those convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will stop at nothing to coax a guilty plea, make sure 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 Perryville, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Perryville, MO is not afraid to square off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have helped many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Perryville area and helped them put what is an undoubtably harrowing 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 Perryville, MO Criminal Defense Attorney
The proficient Perryville, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, such as:
- 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 Perryville, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis-based law firm, you can rest assured that you will always get thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. 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 in jeopardy, you need someone to advocate for you and defend your freedome. Do not procrastinate reaching out to a Perryville area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy and allowing you to breathe you to breathe a little easier as we tackle the looming uncertainty of an impending criminal court proceeding. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to talk to a criminal defense attorney in Perryville, MO about your criminal case.
What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?
A criminal conviction for even a low class 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 in the state prison system, and as a convicted felon you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are limited from purchasing or possessing firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or obtaining certain types of employment. Also, in many cases, as a felon you are required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on job or rental applications, 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, all hope is not lost. 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 Perryville, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our Perryville, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.
Felony Charges and Punishments in Perryville, Missouri
Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes that reflect the severity of the crime. Based on the class of your felony conviction, 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 – a maximum of four years in prison
Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment is determined by the judge. The judge in your case will take into account information including the situation surrounding 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 what is typically 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 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 a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Perryville representing you, what was originally a Class B felony could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you 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 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 Perryville, 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 grouped into categories 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
Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can 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. 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 Perryville, MO now.
Fixing Traffic Tickets In Perryville, 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 Perryville-based defense attorneys 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.
Getting a traffic ticket in Perryville, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Perryville traffic ticket, you effectively 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 staring down a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will greatly 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 another time during this period you could be subject to increased penalties.
An increasing number of Perryville drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Perryville traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to all its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works without rest to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police error. Best of all, our top-notch Perryville traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to quality legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Perryville, 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 Perryville traffic ticket.
In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Perryville, 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.
Hire Your Perryville, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte
Selecting the right Perryville, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other Perryville 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 get round-the-clock access to the Perryville 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 are facing criminal charges in Perryville, from a simple moving violation for failing to properly signal to severe felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to 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 experienced Perryville, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.
