Misdemeanor Lawyer St. Louis, MO. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Missouri, you’re probably looking at your options for hiring a misdemeanor lawyer in St. Louis. You are also probably wondering how serious the charges against you are, and what could potentially happen if you are found guilty. Combs Law Group can help guide you throughout the legal process.

Call our law firm today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Our St. Louis misdemeanor lawyers have years of experience relentlessly fighting for you, your rights, and your future.

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Every person deserves quality legal representation regardless of their income or socioeconomic status. Combs Law Group is committed to using our expertise to uphold justice for all. If you need a lawyer but are not sure if you can afford one, speak to one of our attorneys about our affordable payment plans now.

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What Is a Misdemeanor?

What Is a Misdemeanor in St. Louis and Missouri?

In Missouri law, there are three types of criminal charges: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Felonies, like murder, rape, or assault, are considered the most serious criminal charges. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but more serious than criminal infractions. It should be noted that even though misdemeanors aren’t deemed as serious as felonies, they still can carry with them serious penalties like harsh fines, considerable jail time, or asset forfeiture. As such, they should be handled with all due consideration.

There are easily hundreds of crimes in Missouri that the state classifies as misdemeanors – we have gathered a list of some of them below. When you are charged with a misdemeanor in Missouri, it is classified into one of four categories, classes A through D. State law specifies maximum penalties within each classification should you be convicted of a misdemeanor.

  • Class A misdemeanors are considered the most serious crimes, and can result in up to a year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
  • Class B misdemeanors carry as punishment no more than six months in jail and $500 in fines.
  • Class C misdemeanors are punishable by up to three months in jail and a maximum $300 in fines.
  • Class D misdemeanors are typically small infractions such as not having your dog on a leash in a public park and are punished with a fine.

Regardless of what class your misdemeanor is in, it remains a very serious matter. In most cases, it is key that you hire a highly qualified criminal defense attorney. By hiring an attorney, you signal to judges and prosecutors that you are willing to fight the charges against you. Not hiring a St. Louis misdemeanor attorney sends the signal to the prosecutor that you are giving up, the end result will be a conviction (which looks good on their record), and they can attempt to mete out the stiffest penalty possible. You should understand that being charged with a misdemeanor is not the end of the world, doubly so if you contact a top St. Louis misdemeanor attorney like Combs Law Group. We will aggressively work to build a strong legal defense and, in most cases, you’ll exit the process with minimal damage to your life.

What Are Some Common Misdemeanor Cases?

What Are Some Common Misdemeanor Cases in St. Louis and Missouri?

At Combs Law Group, we have delivered exceptional results for our clients over the past few years, regardless of what misdemeanor crime they have been charged with. Here are just a few of the common misdemeanors in Missouri that we have handled:

If your misdemeanor is not on this list, don’t worry, that is just a small sample of the cases we have tried. Contact us today so we can review the facts of your case and formulate the ideal defense for your situation.

  • Reduced

    2nd Degree Murder

    2nd degree murder charges reduced to manslaughter: client only served 60 days house arrest.

    Reduced

    First Degree Murder and ACA

    For First Degree Murder and ACA, with plea negotiations man received 13 years when looking at life.

    Acquitted

    First Degree Assault and ACA

    Man charged with First Degree Assault and ACA acquitted at trial with a self-defense argument.

Criminal

Reduced

2nd Degree Murder

2nd degree murder charges reduced to manslaughter: client only served 60 days house arrest.

Reduced

First Degree Murder and ACA

For First Degree Murder and ACA, with plea negotiations man received 13 years when looking at life.

Acquitted

First Degree Assault and ACA

Man charged with First Degree Assault and ACA acquitted at trial with a self-defense argument.

Things to Know About Misdemeanors

Things to Know About Misdemeanors In St. Louis and Throughout Missouri

Here are a few noteworthy details about misdemeanors in Missouri:

  • Most misdemeanors have a one-year statute of limitations. This means that charges must be brought against you within one calendar year of the date you were accused of committing a criminal act.
  • Misdemeanors will stay on your criminal record forever and can negatively impact your future job opportunities. This is especially the case with misdemeanors that indicate poor judgment or bad moral/ethical standards. The type of criminal background check your employer runs will usually determine whether your misdemeanor shows up on it or not.
  • Certain crimes, such as DWIs, are sometimes charged as a misdemeanor and then upgraded to a felony charge later on. For example, if you have been charged with a DWI more than once before, the prosecutor may decide to file your charges as a felony. It is not uncommon for us to have clients come into our office thinking they are only facing a misdemeanor charge, only to find out that instead they are dealing with a serious felony.
  • In a number of drug crimes, depending on the amount of drugs you had in your possession, a misdemeanor could automatically turn into a felony. Do not take a chance. If you have been arrested before or otherwise have a criminal record, contact us today to get clarification on what charges you may actually be facing.
Do I Still Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer For a Misdemeanor?

Do I Still Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer For a Misdemeanor in St. Louis and Missouri?

Although misdemeanors are not seen as serious as felony offenses, it is important that you seek strong legal representation. Having a proven St. Louis and Missouri criminal defense attorney on your side can help get you the most favorable results possible. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, it is important to understand the gravity of the situation and take the proper steps to protect your rights and your future. There are several reasons why you still need a St. Louis lawyer for a misdemeanor charge, including:

  • Misdemeanor convictions are punishable by serious penalties. St. Louis and Missouri courts are able to impose jail sentences, about to a year in fact, fines of up to $1,000, or even both. Some misdemeanors have additional consequences, including probation, driver’s license suspensions, community service, and even the loss of civil rights, such as losing the ability to carry a firearm.
  • You do not have to plead guilty. You are innocent until proven guilty, and have every opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case against you. If you decide to plead guilty without an attorney by your side, you have no defense against conviction, which may result in the maximum penalties being held against you. However, with a St. Louis misdemeanor lawyer in your corner, Combs Law can pursue strategies to either reduce your charges, reduce the penalties against you, or even get the entire case dismissed. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
  • Public defenders can only do so much. If you decide not to hire an attorney, you can opt to work with a public defender. However, public defenders often have a huge caseload and are underfunded, which means they do not have the time or resources to develop an effective and personalized defense in your case.
    • I'm not surprised that Combs Law Group has a 5 out of 5 stars on Google. I was fortunate enough to find Chris through a friend, who had hired Chris as his DWI lawyer in Maryland Heights. He came highly recommended and so I went and met him and I found him to be really helpful right from the start. I could tell that he was going to take care of me and help get me out of the legal problems I was facing. I would definitely hire Chris again if I was in need of a criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis. Thanks, Chris!

      — Anthony Nicoletti

    • I cannot begin to thank Chris enough for his dedication and expertise in assisting me with a legal matter. The outcome could not have gone any better. He made me feel comfortable in knowing he was giving 100% to assist me! Thank you Chris for your intuitiveness and intelligence in handling my legal matter!

      — Mikhail Lin

    • I would like to take this as an opportunity to commend and thank the Combs Law Group. Mr. Combs recently represented me for a speeding ticket that I received in St. Louis while on a business trip. Mr. Combs was prompt and efficient with our correspondence regarding the matter, and was able to get the ticket dismissed. I highly recommend Mr. Combs and will refer him to any of my colleagues in need of his services.

      — Alexander F. Rek

    • Chris has been my attorney for years now and has always gone above and beyond for me. Anything I have needed him to do he has made it happen for me and many people I have recommended him to. The choice of a lawyer is an important one and Chris has always taken great care of me. Highly recommended!!

      — Benjamin Serkes

    Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer Who Will Fight For You Today at Combs Law Group

    Hire a St. Louis, MO Misdemeanor Lawyer Who Will Fight For You Today at Combs Law Group

    There are easily hundreds of criminal defense attorneys who handle misdemeanor cases in St. Louis, let alone further out in St. Louis County and St. Charles. Choosing the right lawyer for your case can be a daunting task for even the smartest, savviest individual. Like any major decision, we recommend you do your homework and research defense lawyers near you. But even still, not all criminal defense lawyers are created equal. You may be attracted to the cheap pricing or flashy ads of a particular firm, but the odds are high that all the style hides not much in the way of substance. More than a few lawyers here in St. Louis get people in the door, have them put their money down on the table, and then do little more to defend their client other than accept the first plea deal the prosecutor puts forth.

    At Combs Law Group, we admit that we are not like those firms. We believe in getting value for money–hopefully something you look for as well. We work to build an individual legal strategy for your case based on your arrest record, criminal background, and your particular life circumstances. Our firm will help determine your expectations and work aggressively to deliver the outcomes you want. In addition, we value communication and being up-front with you throughout the legal process. If you ever have a question about your case, the legal process, or even just want to talk, we are always open to take your call.

    If you want a St. Louis misdemeanor lawyer in your corner who will fight relentlessly to get you out of your legal dilemma, Combs Law Group is your choice. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online. We promise you will hear from us as soon as possible to discuss your case.