Criminal Defense Attorney in Des Peres, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Des Peres, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you understand the grave nature of the charges that you are facing. Just being convicted of a minor misdemeanor could force you to pay a hefty fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only are you at risk of multiple years locked up in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your release from prison you will no longer enjoy certain privileges or rights that a large number of people assume they will always have. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, running in an election, or holding specific occupations. Also, in many situations, you could be mandated to admit your status as a convicted felon on job or housing applications, which often heavily limits where they can live or work.

The winning Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have helped many Des Peres-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm knows that people with good intetions can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the damage a criminal conviction has on your ability to live life. Our record of success distinguishes us from other Des Peres 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 Des Peres clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Des Peres, MO criminal case.

Des Peres, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is intimidating enough, but when the charges you are facing are federal charges, they demand a heightened stage of legal knowledge and dilligence. United States prosecuting attorneys are poised to win by any means necessary: the U.S. Justice Department often 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 induce 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 Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Des Peres, MO is not afraid to take on any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight passionately on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Des Peres 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 Des Peres, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The skilled Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, including:

The criminal defense attorneys of Combs Waterkotte based in Des Peres, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a lawyer from our capable and cunning St. Louis-based law firm, you can rest assured that you will always get thoughtful, personalized counsel. 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 a legal ally you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and defend your rights. Do not wait talking to a Des Peres area criminal defense attorney to help you overcome your charges in Des Peres, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward building a sound approach to 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 criminal defense attorney in Des Peres, MO about your criminal case.

What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?

Any criminal conviction will have an impact on your life. When the crime is a felony, a conviction can have a much more significant impact on your life. You may be sentenced to years in the state prison system, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are limited from purchasing or possessing firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. 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, you are not without options. 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 Des Peres, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our Des Peres, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Des Peres, Missouri

Under criminal law 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 variety of factors. If you are convicted of a felony, the exact terms of your punishment will be up to the judge. They will take into account information such as the situation surrounding the crime, your criminal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, meaning a crime usually considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied if you have prior convictions or for certain crimes that are considered dangerous or crimes due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. Likewise, with the representation and dedication of a talented Des Peres criminal defense attorney, your original Class B felony could be reduced to a lesser class felony, a felony charge could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to get you a lesser punishment.

You may also be able to have the charged dropped completely, if you have the right circumstances and a diligent and skillful criminal defense attorney. If you have a strong case 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 our Des Peres, 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 categorized 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

Similar to felonies, sentencing for a misdemeanor can be enhanced in certain cases. 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 Des Peres, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Des Peres, 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 Des Peres-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 Des Peres, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you elect to pay your Des Peres 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 greatly increase. Tickets in general cannot be expunged from your driving record for a minimum of three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over another time during this window you could be subject to harsher penalties.

An increasing number of Des Peres drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Des Peres traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unmatched legal intelligence to every one of its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works tirelessly to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are reduced to non-moving violations (which, once paid, are removed from your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Best of all, our premier Des Peres traffic ticket lawyer services come at an excellent value: just $49.99 for most cases, giving you access to quality legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been given a traffic ticket in Des Peres, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and start the process of fixing your Des Peres traffic ticket.

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

Choosing the right Des Peres, MO lawyer can be the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time behind bars. In contrast to other Des Peres defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will get round-the-clock access to the Des Peres 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 Des Peres, from a small traffic ticket 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 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 experiences working with the experienced Des Peres, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.