Criminal Defense Attorney in Pulaski County, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Pulaski County, MO. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you do not need to be told that the situation is a serious ordeal. Even being convicted of a minor crime could cause you to pay an expensive fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only will you likely have to spend several years in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your reentry into society you will no longer be entitled to additional rights or privileges 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. Also, in many instances, you could be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on housing or employment applications, which often heavily limits where they can live or work.

The winning Pulaski County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Pulaski County-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense firm works to minimize the effect criminal charges have on your freedom, reputation, and life. Our record of winning cases distinguishes us from other Pulaski County criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of everything we do — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Pulaski County clients who have worked with Combs Waterkotte. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Pulaski County, MO criminal case.

Pulaski County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested is intimidating in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level require a heightened caliber of legal intelligence and dilligence. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win at all costs: the U.S. Department of Justice regularly brags that it has a conviction rate of around 90 percent. The vast majority of those convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will use the full arsenal of resources at their disposal to coax a guilty plea, make sure that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and have a federal conviction on your record for the rest of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Pulaski County, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near Pulaski 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 tirelessly on our clients’ behalf. We have protected many Pulaski County-area residents who were looking at all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably harrowing 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 Pulaski County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, Missouri have years of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a lawyer with our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you will always get thoughful counsel and dedicated legal defense. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, your case and your future are important to us. You have one dedicated attorney on your case and you can reach our lawyers and paralegals any time.

With your freedom and future hanging in the balance, 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 put off speaking to a Pulaski County area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward building 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 Pulaski County, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor could result in a sizable fine, county jail time, and/or years of supervised probation. When the crime is a felony, a conviction can have a much more significant impact on your life. 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. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are prohibited 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 forced to disclose your status as a convicted felon on applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which often severely limits where you can work or live.

If you have already received a felony conviction or believe you are likely to be convicted, all hope is not lost. 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. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Pulaski County, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to find out what our Pulaski County, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Pulaski County, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are categorized into five classes that reflect 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 – a maximum of four years in prison

Ultimately, the conviction and sentence in your felony criminal case depends on a variety of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the precise punishment you are sentenced to is determined by the judge. They will take into account factors 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 classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen for some defendants with prior convictions or for certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Conversely, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Pulaski County representing you, your original Class B felony could be dropped down to a lower class felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain 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 your case for your innocence is sound but the prosecutor refuses 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 Pulaski 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 categorized 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

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 Pulaski County, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Pulaski County, 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 Pulaski 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.

Getting a traffic ticket in Pulaski County, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a financial penalty. If you elect to pay your Pulaski County traffic ticket, you indirectly 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 looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets in general cannot be expunged from your driving record for at least three years, as well, which means that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be subject to stiffer penalties.

More and more Pulaski County drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Pulaski County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal acumen to every one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly 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. Most importantly, our exceptional Pulaski County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional 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 written a traffic ticket in Pulaski 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 fixing your Pulaski County traffic ticket.

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

Choosing the right Pulaski County, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time in jail. Unlike other Pulaski 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 anytime access to the Pulaski County criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Pulaski County, from a small moving violation for speeding to federal felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but before you call we invite you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the driven Pulaski County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.