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Why Hiring a Public Defender Can Cost You Your Case.

combschris1 · October 2, 2019 ·

Introduction

If you or a loved one has recently been charged with a crime that may take you to the courtroom, you are likely scared and anxious to find someone to represent your case. If you are wondering whether to choose a Public Defender or private criminal defense lawyer to defend you, you’re in the right place.

What representation you choose for your defense is the most important decision you are going to make and can be the difference between you walking away with your freedom or suffering a huge fine or significant jail time. It’s time to choose someone to fight in your corner to ensure that doesn’t happen.

This article outlines everything you need to know to make your decision. Before we start weighing the pros and cons, let’s take a moment to check we are all on the same page about what Public Defenders in Missouri actually do.

The Public Defender System in Missouri

In Missouri, the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) provides legal representation to all accused citizens, as per the constitutional requirement. Any citizen accused or convicted of crimes in Missouri at the level of the State Trial Court, Appellate Court, Missouri Supreme Court, or US States Supreme Court has the right to a Public Defender.

The MSPD “attempts to provide every client with a high-quality, competent, ardent defense team at every stage of the process”. However, since the MSPD expanded statewide in 1989, they have undergone over ten independent evaluations which warned state officials that the MSPD was making constitutional violations.

These warnings were ignored until the right to counsel became a constitutional crisis in Missouri. The MSPD is notoriously understaffed, overworked, and underfunded. MSPD is one of the least funded public defender systems in the whole of the US.

Myths and Misconceptions about Public Defenders

There are many misconceptions about Public Defenders what they do, and what they are able to offer. Here are some truths you need to be aware of:

Public Defenders aren’t free – they will seek repayment for the costs incurred while representing you, in most cases. They won’t require payment upfront, but you will have to pay their fees.
Public Defenders care – when they can. Yes, they get paid either way, but they are often so overloaded with cases that the first time they meet you is in the courtroom. Without that personal connection, it may feel as though they don’t care about the outcome.
Many Public Defenders are good at what they do – given the limited resources they have. They have completed the same qualifications as private attorneys and are likely getting experience until they can move on to private practice.
Public Defenders aren’t out to get you – they don’t have a secret agenda and they aren’t conspiring with the state to make sure you get a terrible sentence. They will do their best for you with what they have.

How to Qualify for Public Defender Assistance

If you need Public Defender representation, one isn’t automatically assigned to your case if you don’t find a criminal lawyer of your own (in that case, you will have a court-appointed attorney). To acquire public representation, you need to complete a written application at your local MSPD office serving the county in which your charges are pending. You can find links to the application and a list of offices here.

You should be aware that the Public Defender won’t represent all cases. The cases it absolutely will not handle, are:

Civil cases involving money damages
Landlord-tenant cases
Immigration and deportation cases
Divorces
Child custody cases
Municipal court cases

Are Public Defenders Overworked in Missouri?

In short, yes. There are approximately 112,000 cases for the MSPD to handle at any one time and only 370 lawyers. That means each lawyer is juggling around three hundred cases at any one time.

As you will have read in the first section, the MSPD is one of the least funded public defender offices in the whole of the states. They simply don’t have the funding to acquire the resources necessary to offer their clients a good quality of representation.

The American Bar Association (those that set the notorious Bar examination for attorneys) has a minimum requirement for how long lawyers should spend on each case to ensure their clients have adequate and ethical representation, but only 3% of cases in Missouri represented by Missouri public defenders meet this requirement for the constitutional requirement. In other words, 97% of clients are getting unlawful representation.

Missouri public defenders rarely get to meet with their clients before the trial, meaning both the client and the public defender walks into the courtroom completely unprepared to defend their case. They don’t have a chance to discuss the circumstances from the client’s point of view, witnesses, evidence, any plea negotiations that could have taken place before the trial, or a strategy for in the room – all things they should have a right to and any private attorney will offer.

Pros and Cons |Public vs Private Attorneys

Public vs Private Success Statistics

In a study by the University of Dayton, it was found that there is no significant relationship between having a Public Defender represent you and the outcome of your trial. However, if you have your counsel appointed for you, you are 14% more likely to be convicted than if you have private counsel, with public defenders falling in between the two.

Public vs Private Costs

The pro most people know about public defenders is that they are the cheaper option – but it’s important to remember they are not free. If they accept your application, they will let you know how much their representation will cost and how you can repay them. They will come up with this figure by looking at a chart called the Fee Schedule, which you can see here. The fees are relatively minimal, starting at $125 for misdemeanors and probation violations, and go up to $1,500 for a capital murder case.

A con of choosing private representation is that, obviously, it’s going to cost you significantly more. However, it’s likely not as expensive as you may imagine to hire a good attorney for a small and straightforward case. The national average for private representation ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the case and experience of the lawyer. If you are someone who has a number of charges or convictions and you are facing prison time your fees will be higher due to the complexity of the case, but its’ also important to remember what those fees are going to get you. They are likely the difference between your freedom and having your liberty stripped from you. When it comes to criminal representation, you really do get what you pay for.

Public vs Private Workload

A major con of choosing a Public Defender over a private attorney of your choosing is their workload. As already, discussed, Public Defenders have a huge number of cases to manage, and they simply don’t have the time to give you the personal attention and reassurances you need.

Private attorneys work for you. When you choose a private criminal defense lawyer, you have the chance to meet with them before they represent you and ask them as many questions as you need to know whether or not they are the right attorney for you.

When Does It Make Sense to Use a Public Defender?

If you are on a very limited budget, it is your first offense, it is a minor crime, and you are certain of the outcome already and don’t wish to fight it, then a Public Defender may be the right option for you.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use a Public Defender?

In any other situation from (and including) the one above. If you can find a way to afford a private attorney, it really is the best solution. They will be your advocate throughout your case and will fight for your freedom. If a private lawyer is known to lose a lot of cases, they simply won’t have clients. The success of their business relies on the success of their cases and the happy words of past clients. Many private criminal defense lawyers offer their clients 24/7 access so should something change in their case, they’ll be there to defend you at any time of night or day.

Don’t Risk It

If you can find the money to afford a private attorney, you should. It simply isn’t worth the risk of choosing a Public Defender over finding a public criminal defense attorney who you click with and who will be your advocate every step of the way. While all public defenders have the best of intentions, they are overworked human beings. Like all of us, when they are tired their quality of work starts to suffer, and you don’t want that work to be your future.

Don’t leave whether or not you walk away from your case with your freedom to chance. If you’re looking for a private criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis and surrounding areas, who will prioritize your case and has hundreds of successful cases and happy clients behind them, Combs Law Group may be the perfect fit.

We offer completely free consultations to talk you through your case and our process, and we get back to most initial inquiries within just two hours, so if you’re feeling anxious and need someone to talk to as soon as possible, take a deep breath and click here to contact us now.

Driving Under the Influence: Can I Be Charged for Prescription Drugs in Missouri?

combschris1 · September 27, 2019 ·

Introduction

Gone are the days of saying the alphabet backward, nowadays, if you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence – be it alcohol or another substance – the police have numerous ways to detect what’s in your system. With breathalyzer tests, urine samples, saliva tests, and blood tests, they can detect whether or not you’re driving with something in your system.

Here in Missouri, having drugs in your system (prescription or otherwise) is only a violation if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, but any level of drug in your system may lead you to be charged with Driving Under the Influence. If you take any prescription drug which contains a warning about operating heavy equipment or machinery, you may be charged with a DUI/DWI if you are pulled over or get into an accident.

Can I Refuse a Test?

In Missouri, you give your consent to being tested simply by using public highways. If you refuse, your license will be suspended for one year, and you will most likely be charged with a DWI regardless of what’s really in your system based on the officer’s evidence.

Can I Get a DWI/DUI Conviction Expunged?

No, in Missouri you cannot have a DWI/DUI conviction expunged (removed) so it will remain on your criminal record and driving record forever, which is why it’s so important to have an experienced and confident DUI attorney on your side.

Do DWI Laws in Missouri Deal with Prescription Drugs?

The punishments and penalties for driving under the influence of any drug are the same as driving under the influence of alcohol in Missouri. Besides the criminal punishments, you’ll also have eight points added to your driving record if you are convicted for a Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUI-D).

The maximum penalty for a first-offense DUI-D is six months in prison, a fine of $500, a driving ban, and is considered a Class B misdemeanor, so if you’ve been arrested for a DUI for prescription drugs hire a DUI attorney to help you get the best outcome possible.

What Should You Be Aware of When Taking Prescription Drugs and Driving?

Be aware that many prescription drugs can alter your perception and a cocktail of prescribed drugs may have an even more severe effect. Taking more than the prescribed dose may put you in a difficult position, even if there aren’t any warnings in the drug’s documentation about operating heavy machinery, as can mixing different prescription drugs.

Remember that drugs affect everyone differently, so just because one person feels completely normal on the drug you’ve been prescribed, it doesn’t necessarily you will be okay to drive. If the drugs you are prescribed alter your reaction times, impair judgment, make you feel sluggish or drowsy, or cause your muscles to relax or twitch, they may cause you to get a DUI.

You should also be aware that a doctor’s note will not excuse you from a DUI.

Are Any Specific Prescription Drugs More Likely to Get You a DWI?

Everyone reacts to drugs differently, so it is difficult to narrow down specific medications which will result in a DWI charge. However, some medications you need to be wary of when getting behind the wheel, are:

Medical Marijuana (this is not legal under any circumstances)
Sleeping Aids
Valium (just 10mg can cause a level of impairment comparable to 0.10 blood alcohol)
Antidepressants (especially if they have a sedating effect)
Decongestants (cold and flu medications)
Antihistamines (some slow reaction times)
Anti-anxiety medication
Hydrocodone (in Vicodin, has similar effects to opiates and codeine)

How Are Prescription Drugs Detected?

Prescription drugs will not show up in a breathalyzer test, but as a Missouri road user, you agree to testing by blood, urine, or saliva if an officer believes you are under the influence. Many drugs show up in a urine or blood test for hours, days, or even weeks after taking.

There are “Drug Recognition Experts” (DREs) who are officers who have undergone specific training to spot visual signs of drug impairment in motorists, such as eye movements, color and dilation, behavior and movement, and other cues.

What Should You Say if You are Pulled Over and Charged Because of Prescription Drugs?

If you are under the influence of a prescription drug and are pulled over by an officer or involved in an accident, provide them with your insurance and registration and comply with their requests if they ask you to get out of the vehicle. Be aware that if they believe you are impaired they will watch to see how you get out of the vehicle and if there are any signs that you aren’t in full control of your faculties.

If they ask you to submit to sobriety tests beyond a breathalyzer, and are under the influence of a drug, politely inform the officer that you need to call a criminal lawyer. If you have not consumed any alcohol or are below the legal limit, it won’t hurt (and may help) you to submit to the breathalyzer test.

If you refuse the tests, they may choose to arrest you then and there or ask you further questions, but continue to inform them that you won’t answer any questions until you’ve spoken to your lawyer.

At this point, the officer will read you Missouri’s Implied Consent Warnings (which are that by being a road user you agree to submit yourself to blood or urine tests) because they believe you to be intoxicated in some way. Comply with the police until you have spoken to your lawyer, who will tell you the best course of action. They will not be able to prevent you from being tested, but they can put you in the best position possible should the results come back in a way that may incriminate you for prescription drug use.

Don’t plead guilty, even if you feel you are. Let an experienced criminal defense attorney speak for you.

5 Tips to Help You Avoid a Prescription Drug DUI

1.) Read side effects and recommendations of prescription drugs carefully

If you are prescribed medication read any documentation provided to see if it warns you against driving or operating machinery. If they recommend that you do not drive while taking the medication, follow those instructions. If you need to drive to function in your day-to-day life, stop driving until you have spoken to your doctor and see if it is possible to use a different, safer medication.

2.) If you feel drowsy or not quite yourself, don’t drive

This doesn’t just go for the first time you take a new prescription drug, but at any time while you take the drug or when you get behind the wheel. You may eat or take something that reacts with your medication in a way that makes you feel dizzy or unable to focus, so if at any time you feel unsafe, pull over as soon as you can.

3.) Consult with your doctor or pharmacist

If you aren’t sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether or not they believe it is safe for you to drive. If they don’t believe this medication is suitable, ask them if there is an alternative drug with similar benefits which is more suitable for someone who needs to be able to drive.

4.) Don’t misuse your prescriptions

Misusing your own prescription drugs is just as dangerous as misusing someone else’s, so if you feel the urge to take more than the recommended dose do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle and contact your doctor for advice or to have your dosage increased. It can be tempting to take more than prescribed if in pain, but if you need to do this stop driving until you have spoken to a doctor about whether or not it is still safe for you to drive.

5.) Have an experienced DUI-D attorney

While having the best criminal defense attorney in St. Louis won’t be able to prevent you from being pulled over by the police in the first place, they will be able to manage the situation and get you the best outcome possible, as unlike driving under the influence of alcohol, you can make a better case for not fully comprehending what effect the drugs were having on you, or whether your behavior was caused by the drugs at all.

Hire A St. Louis Prescription Drug DWI Attorney

If you’ve been accused of driving while under the influence of prescription drugs in the St. Louis Metro area, it’s vital you talk to an experienced DUI/DWI attorney as soon as possible. A prescription drug charge is just as serious as a DUI accusation for illegal drugs or alcohol, but an experienced St. Louis DUI lawyer will be able to ensure you get the best outcome possible. Contact Combs Law Group today to arrange a free consultation to ensure you get the very best outcome possible. We aim to get back to all inquiries within just two hours, so you don’t need to wait to receive the legal support you need, and all our clients have access to their attorney 24/7 – so you can rest easy knowing your lawyer will fight for you.

Missouri Gun Laws: Are the Open and Concealed Carry Laws Clear?

combschris1 · September 16, 2019 ·

Introduction

In early August of 2019, a man was arrested in Springfield for walking into a Walmart with a loaded AR15 (100 rounds) wearing a bulletproof vest and military fatigues just days after the deadly El Paso shooting, which also took place in a Walmart and left 22 people dead.

In the wake of the El Paso shooting you may think “of course he was arrested!” but the question remains, what exactly was he arrested for? Missouri has open carry laws, doesn’t it? Well, yes, it does, so let’s take a look at what those laws are.

What are the Open Carry Laws in Missouri?

In Missouri, you can openly carry a firearm anywhere they are not prohibited. Municipalities are able to prohibit open carry in certain areas, as are private businesses, and it is also typically not allowed on Church premises, near polling stations, and on federal property.

You are able to carry firearms in your vehicle without notifying an officer, you can carry in state parks, and in restaurants that serve alcohol (but not by the bar). If you want to openly carry a weapon in a public area or built-up space, check with the local laws to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

The open carry laws in Missouri have raised some debate amongst gun owners, many of whom have pointed out that open carry puts you at a strategic disadvantage in a serious situation, and it requires all other firearm owners to assess your intentions.

What are the Concealed Carry Laws in Missouri?

Anyone over 19-years-old can carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training in Missouri. However, there are certain locations where concealed carry is restricted, and you will need a CCW permit in those areas. (You can find out more about Missouri gun laws here)

You are not permitted to carry a concealed firearm on any school facility (unless you have explicit consent of the governing body), any child-care facility, any law enforcement facilities, federal buildings or land, amusement parks, religious organizations, private property where the owner has prohibited concealed carry, and more, which are listed here.

Common Gun Charges in Missouri

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: If you have already been convicted of a felony, there are no circumstances in which you can lawfully own a gun. You can also not possess a gun if you are wanted for a crime elsewhere, are intoxicated or drugged, or judged to be mentally incompetent.

Unlawful possession of a gun is a Class C felony. This does not apply to an antique firearm. A Class C felony has a maximum penalty of a prison term of ten years in prison (with no less than three years).

Unlawful Use of a Weapon: Unlawful use of a weapon in regard to gun laws, includes:

Setting a spring gun
Firing a gun into a vehicle, boat, aircraft, home, or any other structure where people gather
Angrily or threateningly exhibiting a weapon in the presence of other people
Firing a gun within 100 yards of a school, church, or courthouse, across or along a public highway

Punishment for unlawful use of a weapon is a Class D felony in most cases, though there are many exceptions. A Class D felony has a punishment of up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

If you discharge a weapon at a vehicle it is a Class B felony, which is punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison (no less than 5 years).

Defacing a Firearm: It’s a crime to knowingly deface a gun in Missouri, so this includes removing any identifying marks by the manufacturer or importer. Defacing a gun in this way is a class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000.

Fraudulent Purchase of a Firearm: Fraudulent purchase occurs when someone entices, persuades, encourages, or solicits someone to sell a firearm or ammunition to them when they are in full knowledge that the transaction is illegal. This also covers falsifying your information in order to purchase a firearm or ammunition.

Fraudulently purchasing a firearm is a Class E felony. A Class E felony is punishable by a prison term of up to 4 years.

Unlawful Manufacture, Transport, Repair, or Sale of Certain Weapons: if you knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell an explosive weapon, a gas gun, bullets and projectiles that explode or detonate on impact, a machine gun, sawn-off shotguns and rifles, and silencers.

These crimes are a Class C felony, penalties of which are a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $5,000.

Terrorist Threat: In the case of the Springfield arrest, a terrorist threat 1^st degree is a Class D felony, while 2^nd degree is Class E.

So What Happened in Springfield?

On August 8, 2019, 20-year-old Dmitriy Andreychenko was arrested on suspicion of first-degree making a terrorist threat and was charged the next day with making a terrorist threat in the second-degree, which is punishable with up to 4 years in prison and is a Class E felony.

Andreychenko walked into the Springfield Walmart with multiple weapons, including an AR15 and 100 rounds in ammunition, wearing military fatigues and a bulletproof vest. Although he never fired the gun, his presence and actions in the store caused shoppers to panic, flee, and called the police about an active shooter. The store manager made the decision to pull the fire alarm and evacuate the store.

Andreychenko was seen pushing a shopping cart and filming a video with his cellphone. Andreychenko tried to leave the premises prior to the arrival of the police but was detained at gunpoint by an off-duty firefighter. His actions came just days after two deadly shootings; one at an El Paso Walmart in which 22 people were killed, and another in Dayton, Ohio where a further 9 people died, including the shooter’s own sister.

Andreychenko’s motives are still unclear; whether he had planned to kill the people or not or simply film people’s reactions to his presence, it was not a good idea.

“His intent was not to cause peace or comfort,” Lieutenant Mike Lucas told KYTV of the Missouri suspect. “He’s lucky he’s alive still, to be honest.” Had the off-duty firefighter not detained him, he may have come up against another person with a firearm who was less willing to give him the benefit of waiting for law enforcement to arrive and take control of the situation. Police praised the firefighter’s quick actions.

While private businesses are well within their right to prohibit open carry in their stores and on their premises, Walmart is not one of them.

Was it a good idea to walk into the Walmart in a bulletproof vest and a rifle? No. While what he did wasn’t technically illegal in Missouri, or in Walmart, doing so can easily be construed as threatening behavior – and even more so after the events of the previous day.

Has This Happened Before?

Arrests and convictions even where open carry is legal is not unusual after a mass shooting event. In April 2013, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran attending a pride event in Colorado Springs on the day after the Aurora theater shooting was arrested for openly carrying his handgun (though unlike Andreychenko, his gun was holstered to his belt). Apparently, the officers involved were unaware that it was perfectly legal to openly carry a weapon in a city park in Colorado. [link: krdo.com/news/local-news/man-sues-colorado-springs-after-wrongful-open-carry-arrest/34080516] He later filed a lawsuit because his rights were violated and won $23,000 against the city.

In 2016, a man legally carrying a gun in Dallas during the police protests was mistakenly arrested while peacefully protesting.

Similarly, in Toledo, Ohio in 2015, Shawn Northrup went out for a walk with his wife, daughter, grandson, and dog with his cellphone and a semiautomatic handgun holstered to his belt. A passing motorist took umbrage with his open display and yelled, “you can’t walk around with a gun like that!” and after a heated exchanged, he called the police. Northrup was detained for 90 minutes but his charges were eventually dropped.
The fact is that it’s completely legal to openly carry or carry a concealed weapon in most locations in Missouri, so if you are charged or under investigation for a gun law violation in the St. Louis Metro area, it’s vital you talk to an experienced gun law attorney as soon as possible. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and ensure you get the very best outcome possible and protect your rights as an American citizen. We aim to get back to all inquiries within just two hours, so you don’t need to wait to receive the legal support you need.

9 Professional Athletes Who Had Run-ins with The Law

combschris1 · August 22, 2019 ·

Professional athletes may have more talent, speed, and agility out on the field or court than we could ever hope to have, but it rarely seems to help them stay out of trouble with the law. When it comes to having a brush with the law, professional athletes are no less vulnerable than the rest of us. If you don’t follow professional sports (or even if you do) you may be shocked to discover how many current and past pro athletes have a criminal record.

NFL players seem to be the most susceptible, but no corner of the professional sport keeps a clean slate. Since 2000, active NFL players have been arrested 855 times, which includes 215 DUI charges, 99 drug charges, 96 domestic violence charges, 71 assaults, and 2 murders.

The NFL team with the most arrests is the Minnesota Vikings, who have 49 of those charges to their name. A close second is the Denver Broncos, with 47 arrests. In third, is the Cincinnati Bengals, though their number (44) is bolstered significantly due to their player Adam “Pacman” Jones, who you can read about below.

Currently, 4.71% of active players have been arrested, which is lower than the arrest rate for the whole of the US. Out of 1720 active players, only 81 have been arrested. DUI is the most common crime, though domestic violence and assault and battery when combined outweigh DUIs. The arrest rate for NFL players in 2019 is currently much lower than any other year since 2000, and most arrests take place out of season.

Here are nine professional athletes who have been arrested or charged for crimes during their professional career.

Pacman Jones

Pacman Jones is an NFL player who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble, in fact, he’s been arrested ten times. If you’re looking for a professional athlete to prove that great players can get away with almost anything, Jones is it.

Most of his offenses took place on a night out. He was first arrested and charged in 2005 with assault and vandalism for an altercation in a night club. A year later he was arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

In 2007 he spent $40,000 on a dance at Minxx Gentlemen’s Club in Las Vegas, which resulted in a fight when he attacked the dancer, gunshots were fired, resulting in several injured and one club employee was paralyzed. He surrendered to the Las Vegas police four months later and was released on a $20,000 bail. He cooperated with the police and so only received probation and community service, but later was ordered to pay $12.4 million in total to the victims of that event.

Cristiano Renaldo

The world-famous soccer player has been the subject of a lawsuit filed in September of 2018 in Nevada accusing him of rape. A woman alleged that he paid her $375,000 to stay quiet about an incident that took place a decade ago in 2009. The lawsuit was dropped in June 2019, though the federal suit remains active.

Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis is a former linebacker who played exclusively for the Baltimore Ravens. On January 31, 2000, Lewis was involved in an incident which resulted in two men being stabbed to death in Atlanta, Georgia. No one has ever been officially charged with the crime, but Lewis pled guilty to obstruction of justice in the case for which he received 12 months of probation. He was also fined $250,000 by the NFL, which was the largest fine to date for an infraction that did not involve substance abuse.

Many believe he was involved as the white suit he was wearing that night was never found, the victims’ blood was found in his limo, and he allegedly told those with him to “keep their mouth[s] shut.” However, the incident did not harm his NFL career, as the next year, he was named Super Bowl XXXV MVP.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods has been in and out of the media for years for his alleged infidelity, but he was also subject of a DUI charge in Jupiter, Florida in May of 2017. Woods had prescription painkillers, sleep drugs, and traces of marijuana in his system. He agreed to enter a diversion program and his charge was later dropped.

Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley is one of many NFL stars who have a DWI charge to their name. In 2012 he was arrested on drunk-driving charges in Alabama, when he allegedly passed a state trooper doing 100mph in an Escalade. He then tried to flee when the troopers asked him to pull over. He was sentenced to a suspended six-month jail term, a year of probation, and a $600 fine.

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius is the famous South African amputee athlete who competed in both the Paralympic games and the 2012 Olympics, where he became the first double-leg amputee to compete at the Olympics.

On Valentine’s Day in 2013, he woke up in the middle of the night and fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, allegedly believing her to be an intruder. The case garnered a huge amount of media attention worldwide due to the interesting details of the case.

When he woke up in the middle of the night and heard movement in the bathroom, he did not assume the empty spot next to him in bed was a sign that is was his own girlfriend, but instead took his shotgun and fired it through the bathroom door, killing Steenkamp.

In 2014 at his trial, he was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to 5 years in prison, and a concurrent 3-year suspended sentence for a separate reckless endangerment conviction.

Just a year later, he was released on temporary house arrest as his case was presented to the Supreme Court of Appeal, due to the outcry by the public and Steenkamp’s family, where the previous sentence was overturned and he was convicted of murder, and finally sentenced to 13 years and 5 months.

Von Miller

Von Miller is a linebacker for the Denver Broncos (NFL), and was arrested in 2013 on a warrant for failing to appear in court for a traffic violation, while also being on suspension by the NFL for a drug violation. The original violation was for careless driving and no proof of insurance.

Five years later, in July of 2018, he was caught speeding doing 71mph on a 45mph street, in his Ford 150 pickup. Upon being pulled over, he told the officer he was late for work.

Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd is a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and has previously played for the New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Redskins. It was during his time with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 that he had his most famous arrest, however, it was not his only brush with the law.

Floyd was suspended indefinitely in 2011 by Notre Dame after he was caught driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level twice the legal limit. His coach at the time, Brian Kelly, said the suspension would not be lifted until he changed his ways. “Football needs to take a backseat at the moment while Michael gets his life in order,” he said.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t an event Floyd learned from. Just hours after the Cardinals lost to the Dolphins in Miami, police officers found Floyd slumped at the wheel of his running vehicle in the middle of the road at 2.48am, sleeping. He was charged with two counts of DUI.

In February of 2017 he was found guilty and sentenced to 24 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, 30 hours of community service, and 96 days house arrest.

Marion Jones

The statistics show that male athletes are the most likely to come off the tracks, but that doesn’t mean female professional athletes are all saintly either. Marion Jones, who won 5 medals (3 gold, 2 bronze) at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, was stripped of her medals after it was discovered that she took performance-enhancing drugs, was found to be connected to check-fraud, and lied to the federal agents who investigated her case.

She was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of probation, and 400 hours of community service per year of her probation.

Professional athletes often have millions in the bank, and although it doesn’t make them above the law, it does often help them get a severely reduced sentence or avoid being charged altogether because they have a great criminal defense lawyer at their side. If you live in the St. Louis, MO area and are facing similar charges to those any of the athletes above faced, contact Combs Law Group today for your free consultation.

Top 10 Qualifications For A Criminal Defense Lawyer

combschris1 · August 6, 2019 ·

Introduction

If you’ve been arrested you need the very best criminal defense lawyer for your case to ensure you get the best outcome. It’s tempting to rush into working with whichever lawyer is available and willing to take on your case, so you can feel at ease knowing someone is working to protect you.

However, if you want to get the experienced counsel you’re looking for you should take the time to be selective and ensure you get a criminal defense lawyer you are comfortable with so you can get the very best outcome.

Here are 10 tips to help you choose the best lawyer for you and your case:

1.) Choose a Local Lawyer

Here are 10 tips to help you choose the best lawyer for you and your case:

Chris Combs and the Combs Law Group have an outstanding reputation in the St. Louis legal community and Chris has worked hundreds of criminal defense cases all across the St. Louis area. He was born and bred in St. Louis and has built his many relationships on his personable and professional manner, so is in the perfect position for taking on St. Louis criminal defense cases.

The lawyer you choose must be licensed to practice in the state you’re being prosecuted in to represent you, but beyond the legalities, local lawyers have established relationships in the local criminal justice system.

2.) Look for Experience and Specialization

Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of criminal defense or have a lot of experience with cases just like yours. Wouldn’t you rather have an experienced lawyer than one who has never seen a case like yours? Of course, you would! So don’t just work with the first lawyer you find, look for a lawyer who can show you successful past cases in the area you are looking for.

Experienced lawyers will be able to anticipate what questions are likely to come up in the courtroom and any moves the persecutors may make against you. They will also have an in-depth knowledge of the state’s criminal statutes and will help you with a well thought out strategy.

At Combs Law Group, we have an impressive track record of successful cases and have built up a great reputation in the St. Louis Metro area and have extensive knowledge of Missouri criminal statutes. Any lawyer you consider should be able to say the same.

3.) Meet with Them In-Person

You will feel most comfortable with a criminal defense lawyer who you click with. While you don’t necessarily need to feel like you’d like to head to the bar for a drink with them, being able to feel comfortable with them and knowing that you understand each other easily will make your experience much less stressful. If you meet with a lawyer who you don’t connect with, don’t be afraid to look for someone else.

It often feels like if you don’t find a lawyer to protect you in the next few days your world will fall apart, but in most cases, you can take the time to find a lawyer you can see yourself working with for months or years until your case concludes.

We offer all our clients a free consultation to meet face to face to see if we are the right fit for one another.

4.) Choose a Law Firm Where You’ll Be Prioritized

Some lawyers at large law firms have a large caseload and may struggle to prioritize you. Before you choose a lawyer, ensure that you’ll be able to contact your criminal defense lawyer whenever you can.

All our clients have access to their lawyer 24/7, so should there be a sudden development in their case they can stay calm knowing their lawyer will be hot on their case in the very best way.

5.) Look at Testimonials and Reviews

When you have a list of potential criminal defense lawyers, read their testimonials and reviews. These testimonials and reviews will provide you with more information with how the lawyer works with their clients, what their past clients did and didn’t enjoy about working with them, and you may find endorsements that help you know whether a lawyer is or isn’t for you even before you meet them.

Our outstanding reputation as a St. Louis criminal defense attorney is well reflected in our reviews – in fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another with such good reviews (and we aren’t afraid to share our successes)! Our dedication to superior client satisfaction – and a long list of successful cases – has helped us amass more testimonials than we can count, and we’re grateful for all of our great clients. If you’d like to read our reviews, you can see our client feedback here.

6.) Ask Them About the Possible Outcomes

Any criminal defense lawyer you speak to should be willing and able to talk to you about the possible outcomes of your case. While you want them to be confident about your case, be very wary of any lawyer who says they can guarantee you a win.

The lawyers you speak to should be able to talk from experience about the realistic best- and worst-case scenarios and may have case studies and proof to show you. When you ask them about previous cases they’ve handled like yours, they should be at ease and happy to talk you through their cases. If they seem nervous or brisk, they may be trying to pull the wool over your eyes and likely won’t be able to help you at all in court.

7.) They Should Offer a Free Consultation

If a potential lawyer wants to charge you for your first meeting, steer clear. You want to find a criminal defense lawyer or firm who champions their clients and is ready to stand in their corner and fight for their liberty, career, and family life. If they aren’t willing to meet with you for your first consultation for free, they don’t have your best interests at heart, and it shows that they may not be committed fully to your case.

We offer a free consultation for all of our clients to discuss their case, possible outcomes, and take the time to answer any and all questions they may have.

8.) Discuss the Fees and Expenses

There are a huge number of benefits to paying for a private attorney, but you need to establish if the lawyers you are speaking to are within your budget. When you find someone you like, make sure you discuss potential fees as well as any fines you may have to pay as part of your punishment.

You should also discuss the payment schedule and any flexibility. Some lawyers require 50% of their fee upfront, while others will accept monthly payments, and others a mixture of the two. Don’t be afraid to bring up the subject of money during your first meeting.

You’ll want to pay for the very best lawyer you can find, but if you stretch yourself too far financially and can’t cover the payments halfway through your case, your lawyer may be reluctant – or be unable – to see it through. Discuss finances frankly so you can move ahead confidently.

9.) Ask Them About a Potential Strategy

Talk to potential lawyers about the strategy they may use in your case. Not every lawyer’s strategy will be right for you, and if you aren’t comfortable with their proposed strategy, there’s no sense moving forward. If you don’t understand why they are proposing their strategy, ask them to clarify the reasons behind it. It’s their job to make everything clear and understandable for you, so don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand at first.

Ask potential lawyers if they believe there may be any chance of a plea deal so you can avoid going to trial. Going to trial is extremely stressful and you have to pay legal fees for the judge’s time. If there is any chance of a plea deal, discuss what this may entail and the punishment you may receive as a result of taking the deal.

10.) Discuss How to Move Forward

When you find someone you feel is a good fit for you, ask them how long they believe your case will take, how you will be charged over that time (as many cases can take months or even years to reach conclusion), and how often you can expect to hear from them.

Criminal defense lawyers manage several clients at once and your case may go for weeks or even months without progress as you wait for a response or a court date. Discuss how you’ll be kept in the loop and how often you can expect updates.

If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, don’t hesitate to reach out to us about your case. All of our clients receive personal attention, and we are available 24 hours a day from the moment of your arrest to help you with your case. We have an incredibly strong success record and will work to get you the very best outcome. If you need someone to protect your liberty, livelihood, and family, get in touch as soon as possible.

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Introduction

The Public Defender System in Missouri

Myths and Misconceptions about Public Defenders

How to Qualify for Public Defender Assistance

Are Public Defenders Overworked in Missouri?

Pros and Cons |Public vs Private Attorneys

Public vs Private Success Statistics

Public vs Private Costs

Public vs Private Workload

When Does It Make Sense to Use a Public Defender?

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use a Public Defender?

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5 Tips to Help You Avoid a Prescription Drug DUI

Hire A St. Louis Prescription Drug DWI Attorney

Introduction

1.) Choose a Local Lawyer

2.) Look for Experience and Specialization

3.) Meet with Them In-Person

4.) Choose a Law Firm Where You’ll Be Prioritized

5.) Look at Testimonials and Reviews

6.) Ask Them About the Possible Outcomes

7.) They Should Offer a Free Consultation

8.) Discuss the Fees and Expenses

9.) Ask Them About a Potential Strategy

10.) Discuss How to Move Forward

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