Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond Heights, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond Heights, MO. If you have been arrested for a crime, you understand the gravity of the charges that you are looking at. Just a conviction for a minor misdemeanor could cause you to pay a large fine, serve time behind bars, or have to spend several years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only heightens these consequences: not only are you subject to multiple years locked up in the Missouri state prison system. And even after your release from prison you will no longer have certain privileges or rights that most citizens assume they will always have. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms, running in an election, or holding certain jobs. In addition, in many situations, you could be forced to share your status as a convicted felon on rent or employment applications, which often severely limits where they can live or work.

The winning Richmond Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many Richmond Heights-area residents fight criminal charges. Our firm realizes that people with good intetions 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 ability to live life. Our record of winning is notable among Richmond Heights criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the heart of all that we do — just ask the satisfied Richmond Heights clients who have worked with Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your Richmond Heights, MO criminal case.

Richmond Heights, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

An allegation of any crime is intimidating in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level demand a heightened amount of legal acumen and care. United States prosecuting attorneys are driven to win no matter the cost: the U.S. Justice Department often advertises that it has a conviction rate of about 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will use the full arsenal of resources at their disposal to induce a guilty plea, make sure that you spend years in a federal prison, and carry a federal conviction on your record for the rest of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Richmond Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting favorable results for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Richmond Heights, MO is not afraid to face off against any opponent — be it local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Richmond Heights area and helped them 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 Richmond Heights, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Richmond Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, such as:

The criminal defense attorneys of Combs Waterkotte based in Richmond Heights, Missouri have decades of experience protecting defendants’ rights and fighting against criminal allegations. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our capable and cunning St. Louis-based law firm, you can rest assured that you will always receive personalized care and dedicated representation. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. You have one dedicated attorney on your case and you can reach our lawyers and paralegals any time.

With your very life hanging in the balance, you need someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not put off reaching out to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges in Richmond Heights, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can get to work building your case and allowing you to breathe you to breathe a little easier as we tackle the looming uncertainty of an impending criminal court proceeding. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to speak to a Richmond Heights, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Missouri Criminal Cases and Consequences

A conviction for even a low class misdemeanor can leave you with a fine to pay, time to serve in jail, 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 may be sentenced to years in the state prison system, and as a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that so many of us take for granted. Convicted felons are limited from owning 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, do not lose hope. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and in some cases you may be able to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Richmond Heights, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to find out what our Richmond Heights, MO defense attorneys can do to help you reclaim your rights.

Punishments for Felony Charges in Richmond Heights, Missouri

Under criminal law in Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes based on the severity of the crime. 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 – 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 is influenced by a number of factors. If you are convicted of a felony, the exact terms of your punishment is determined by the judge. They will weigh factors including the specific circumstances of the crime, your personal history and other details.

There are some special crimes for which the class and subsequent punishment are enhanced, meaning what is typically classified as a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. The enhancement is applied for some defendants with prior convictions or in crimes that are determined to have been carried out due to a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. On the other hand, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Richmond Heights representing you, your original Class B felony could be dropped down to a lesser class felony, a felony charge could be minimized to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you a less serious.

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 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 our Richmond Heights, 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

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 Richmond Heights, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Richmond Heights, 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 Richmond Heights-based defense attorneys can help you through our excellent 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.

Being written a traffic ticket in Richmond Heights, MO isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you choose to pay your Richmond Heights traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the degree 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 in general 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 period you could be looking at harsher penalties.

Many Richmond Heights drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Richmond Heights traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Waterkotte brings unequaled legal knowledge to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works non-stop to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, do not stay on your record or affect insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our exceptional Richmond Heights 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 Richmond Heights, 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 getting your Richmond Heights traffic ticket fixed.

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

Choosing the right Richmond Heights, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time behind bars. In contrast to other Richmond Heights defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can be sure that you will have 24/7 access to the Richmond Heights criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter the circumstances, the place, or the hour, you can discuss your case, the legal process, or any other topic.

When you have been indicted on criminal charges in Richmond Heights, from a small traffic ticket for failing to properly signal to severe felonies, make Combs Waterkotte your first call. Talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation, but preceding that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the experienced Richmond Heights, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.