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.
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 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:
- Petty Theft
- Domestic violence
- Probation/Parole violations
- Burglary
- Reckless driving
- Trespassing
- Driving while intoxicated/under the influence
- Resisting arrest
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Perjury
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Driving while suspended/revoked
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.
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 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:
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.