Criminal Defense Attorney in Platte County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Platte County, MO. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you understand that the situation is a serious ordeal. Even being convicted of a small infraction could cause you to pay an expensive fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend multiple years encarcerated in the Missouri state prison system, but following your release from prison you will continue to pay through the loss of certain rights or privileges that most people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding certain jobs. Also, in many cases, you could be mandated to share your status as a convicted felon on rent or employment applications, which usually severely curtails where they can live or work.

The skilled Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many Platte County-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm recognizes that sometimes decent people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our record of winning cases distinguishes us from other Platte County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Platte County clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Platte County, MO criminal case.

Platte County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is stressful enough, but when the charges you are facing are federal charges, they require a heightened caliber of legal intelligence and focus. Prosecutors for the United States courts are driven to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Department of Justice often brags that it has a conviction rate of roughly 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 pull out all the stops to get a guilty plea, ensure 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 Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and winning favorable results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Platte County, MO is not afraid to face 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 protected many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Platte County area and helped them put what is an unquestionably 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 Platte County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Platte County, 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 Platte County, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer with our hard-working St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always receive quality customer service and a thoughtful defense strategy. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. 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 defend your freedome. Do not wait talking to a Platte County 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 lifting the weight of the unknown from your shoulders. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to get in touch with a Platte County, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. 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 will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you 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 job or rental applications, 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, you are not without options. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be able to request a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Platte County, MO to explore your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Platte County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Platte County, Missouri

In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies 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 – no more than seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison

Ultimately, the outcome of your felony criminal case is influenced by a variety of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment is determined by the judge. They will take into account factors such as 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, meaning a crime 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 crimes that are determined to have been carried out based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Conversely, with the representation and dedication of a talented Platte County criminal defense attorney, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony could be dropped down 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 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 decide whether or not to find you guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Like with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are categorized into groups 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, 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 Platte County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Platte County, MO

Did you know that Combs Waterkotte can also help you resolve traffic tickets and other traffic law matters? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our defense attorneys in the Platte 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 Platte County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Platte 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 looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets usually cannot be expunged from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over once again during this window you could be looking at increased penalties.

An increasing number of Platte County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Platte County traffic ticket lawyer, and for good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to every single one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works without rest to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, 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 Platte County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to premier legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Platte 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 Platte County traffic ticket fixed.

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

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• 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 Platte County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right Platte County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case having a positive outcome and you spending time behind bars. In contrast to other Platte 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 get round-the-clock access to the Platte County criminal defense lawyer 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 Platte County, from a simple moving violation for an improper lane change to severe felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the experienced Platte County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.