Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Francois County, MO
Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Francois County, MO. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, you understand that the situation is to be taken seriously. Even a conviction for a small misdemeanor could cause you to pay an expensive fine, spend time behind bars, or have to spend multiple years on probation. Facing a felony conviction only increases these consequences: not only are you subject to several years encarcerated in the Missouri state prisons. And even following your release from prison you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that most people take for granted. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns, running in an election, or holding specific occupations. Also, in many cases, you could be forced to share your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often severely curtails where they can live or work.
The experienced St. Francois County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Law Group have helped many men and women overcome criminal allegations in the St. Francois County, 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 cases distinguishes us from other St. Francois County 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 St. Francois County clients who have contacted Combs Law Group. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-obligation review of your St. Francois County, MO criminal case.
St. Francois County, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
An allegation of any crime is stressful enough, but when the charges against you are federal charges, they demand a heightened caliber of legal intelligence and care. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised 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 are plea bargains, where a defendant negotiates a lesser punishment or charge in exchange for a confession of guilt. Federal prosecutors will pull out every trick in the book to coax a guilty plea, guarantee that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and resign you to live the rest of your life with a federal criminal conviction.
At Combs Law Group, our St. Francois County, MO criminal defense attorneys have ample and proven experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and achieving positive results for our clients. Our firm of federal criminal defense attorneys near St. Francois County, MO is not scared to face off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight passionately on our clients’ behalf. We have stood up for many St. Francois County-area residents who were looking at all manner of federal criminal charges defend themselves against these charges and put what is an undoubtably scary 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 St. Francois County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney
The proficient St. Francois County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Law Group 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 Law Group based in St. Francois County, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from our hard-working St. Louis-based law firm, you will always receive thoughtful, personalized counsel. Regardless of whether you are facing 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 on the line, it is imperative that you find a legal ally 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 St. Francois County, MO or anywhere in Missouri. The sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner we can dedicate our time and effort toward 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 criminal defense attorney in St. Francois County, MO about your criminal case.
What are the punishments for criminal charges in Missouri?
A conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor could result in a fine to pay, time to serve in jail, and/or years of supervised probation. When the crime is a felony, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. You could lose years of your life serving time in the state prison system, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you will no longer have certain rights or privileges that many people take for granted. Convicted felons are limited 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 job or rental applications, which is an obvious limination to achieving a productive, fruitful life.
If you have already received a felony conviction 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 for certain cases you may be able to pursue a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Turn to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in St. Francois County, MO to learn about your post-conviction rights and options. Contact us to learn how our St. Francois County, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.
Punishments for Felony Charges in St. Francois County, Missouri
Under criminal law in Missouri, felony crimes are classified into categories that reflect 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 – no more than seven years in prison
- Class E Felony – no more than four years in prison
In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of variables. If you are convicted of a felony, the precise terms of your punishment is up to the judge. The judge in your case will weigh information such as 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. This can happen 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. On the other hand, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in St. Francois County representing you, what was originally a Class B charge could be reduced to a lower class felony, a felony charge could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney may be able to get you a lesser punishment.
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 you have a strong case but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your criminal defense lawyer with Combs Law Group 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 St. Francois County, 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. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, 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 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 Law Group today at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and your options with a defense attorney near St. Francois County, MO now.
Fixing Traffic Tickets In St. Francois County, MO
Did you know Combs Law Group also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have not been accused of committing a criminal act, our St. Francois County-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.
Being given a traffic ticket in St. Francois County, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a drain on your finances. If you elect to pay your St. Francois County traffic ticket, you effectively 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 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, meaning that if you are pulled over again during this window you could be facing harsher penalties.
An increasing number of St. Francois County drivers are choosing Combs Law Group as their St. Francois County traffic ticket lawyer, and with good cause. Combs Law Group brings unequaled legal intelligence to all 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, do not stay on your record or influence insurance premiums) or have your ticket dismissed due to an irregularity in your stop. Best of all, our top-notch St. Francois County traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, giving you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in St. Francois County, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and begin the process of getting your St. Francois County traffic ticket fixed.
In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading St. Francois County, MO area attorneys of Combs Law Group 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 St. Francois County, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Law Group
Finding the right St. Francois County, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case ending favorably and you spending time behind bars. Unlike other St. Francois County defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Law Group, you can rest assured that you will receive round-the-clock access to the St. Francois County criminal defense lawyer that is working on your case. No matter what time it or where you are, you can discuss with us your case, the legal process, or anything else.
When you are facing criminal charges in St. Francois County, from a small moving violation for speeding to federal felonies, make Combs Law Group your first call. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we suggest that you take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their experiences working with the experienced St. Francois County, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Law Group.