Criminal Defense Attorney in Winchester, MO
Criminal Defense Attorney in Winchester, MO. If you have been charged with a crime, you understand the weight of the charges that you are looking at. Just a conviction for a small infraction could force you to pay an expensive fine, serve time in county jail, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only are you at risk of several years locked up in the Missouri state prisons, but after your release you will be further punished via loss of additional rights or privileges that a large number of citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, running for office, or holding certain occupations. In addition, in many instances, you will be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on job or housing applications, which usually drastically limits where they can work or live.
The skilled Winchester, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many people rise above criminal convictions in the Winchester, MO area. Our firm recognizes that sometimes good people can get caught up in bad situations, and our criminal defense firm works to limit the effect criminal charges have on your freedom, reputation, and life. Our impressive history of winning distinguishes us from other Winchester criminal defense law firms, and we pride ourselves on the special focus we place on our personalized touch and availability to our clients — hear it firsthand from the satisfied Winchester 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 Winchester, MO criminal case.
Winchester, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being arrested is a scary enough circumstance, but criminal charges at the federal level require an extra caliber of legal acumen and focus. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department regularly touts that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions result in plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out all the stops to get a guilty plea, guarantee 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 Winchester, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and winning positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Winchester, 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 fought for many Winchester-area residents who were facing all sorts of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably troubling 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 Winchester, MO Criminal Defense Attorney
The experienced Winchester, 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 Winchester, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer with our capable and cunning St. Louis criminal defense firm, you can rest assured that you will always receive personalized care and dedicated representation. 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 very life hanging in the balance, it is imperative that you find someone to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not put off reaching out to a Winchester 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 talk to a Winchester, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.
Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law
A conviction for even a minor infraction or misdemeanor could result in a sizable fine, 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 as a convicted felon you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are barred 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 often severely limits where you can work or live.
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 an experienced criminal defense attorney in Winchester, MO to learn about how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Winchester, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.
Punishments for Felony Charges in Winchester, Missouri
In Missouri, felony crimes are classified into categories 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 – a maximum of 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 number of variables. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment will be determined by the judge. The judge in your case will take into account information 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, 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. Likewise, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Winchester representing you, your original Class B charge could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain a lesser punishment.
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 is not willing to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer will take the fight to trial where they will present your case to a jury of your peers who will then determine whether or not you are guilty. Contact Combs Waterkotte to discuss your case and potential options with our Winchester, MO criminal defense attorneys.
Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri
As with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are grouped into categories 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, you can often avoid jail time for misdemeanors and instead agree to 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 Winchester, MO now.
Fixing Traffic Tickets In Winchester, 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 Winchester-based defense attorneys can help you through our excellent 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.
Getting a traffic ticket in Winchester, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you elect to pay your Winchester traffic ticket, you effectively plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the type of your offense, you could be facing a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets generally cannot be struck 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 subject to increased penalties.
More and more Winchester drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Winchester traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal knowledge to every single one of its cases, even minor moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to make sure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Most importantly, our premier Winchester traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Winchester, MO and do not want it to hamper your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of fixing your Winchester traffic ticket.
In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Winchester, 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 Winchester, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte
Selecting the right Winchester, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time incarcerated. In contrast to other Winchester 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 receive round-the-clock access to the Winchester criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or anything else.
When you are facing criminal charges in Winchester, from a small traffic ticket for failing to properly signal to serious 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 before you call we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the experienced Winchester, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.
