Jefferson City Criminal Lawyer

Jefferson City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many people are not familiar with the criminal justice system. Facing any type of criminal allegation can be frightening and potentially life-changing, even if a person has never been in trouble before. Criminal convictions can have consequences that may affect a person both personally and professionally. Selecting an experienced criminal defense lawyer is important because lawyers have different education, training, and experience.

I can assist you whether you are facing federal criminal charges in United States District Court, state criminal charges in Circuit Court, or dealing with a municipal ordinance violation. 

Our Areas of Criminal Law Practice

I represent clients in all aspects of criminal law. My criminal defense practice includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of criminal law practice:

• Arrested: If you have been arrested for any reason, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
• Assault and Battery: Assault charges in Missouri are divided into four categories, with three of them being felony charges. In my role as a criminal defense lawyer, I can help you understand your exact charge and explore potential defenses.
• Bad Checks: Criminal lawyers can help people charged with writing bad checks negotiate restitution and avoid harsh penalties.
• Criminal Non-Support: Failing to pay child support repeatedly can result in a charge of criminal non-support. I understand both family law and criminal law. I can work to negotiate payment plans and/or possibly reduce child support amounts owed.
• Domestic Violence: Legal representation is important in defending against charges of domestic violence or defending against orders of protection, which are also known as restraining orders.
• Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Being charged with driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence does not necessarily mean you’ll be convicted. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I challenge evidence and work to have charges reduced or dropped.
• Driving While License Suspended or Revoked: Many offenses for driving while your license is suspended or revoked involve mandatory jail time. I can assist you in attempting to avoid jail. I also have experience in appealing a license suspension or seeking a license reinstatement.
• Drug Crimes: I have years of experience defending drug offenses in both state and federal court. Judges often give out harsh penalties for drug crime convictions. I can assist you with reducing charges, finding alternatives to trial, trial itself, or helping with mitigating sentences.
• Ex Parte Violations: I can assist you with violations of orders of protection, including ex parte orders of protection.
• Expungement: As a criminal attorney, I can guide you through the process to clear certain criminal records.
• Federal Crimes: I have substantial experience representing clients in federal court. I can assist you in navigating complex federal law, including discovery, trial, and mitigation matters involving the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
• Felonies: As a criminal lawyer, I can assist you with your felony case. I will work to obtain a dismissal, reduce the offense, and engage in plea negotiations to achieve the best outcome available. I represent clients for all serious felony cases and have substantial trial experience.
• Juvenile Crimes: I can assist your child in juvenile court cases. The goal is to avoid the filing of adult criminal charges and commitments to the Division of Youth Services. I seek resolutions rather than punishment.
• Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but can still involve jail time. I work to negotiate lesser charges and avoid jail time. I also have substantial trial experience.
• Probation Violations: I can assist you with your probation violation, which may include continuing you on probation or reinstating probation terms instead of incarceration.
• Right to Remain Silent: Everyone has a right to remain silent when questioned about criminal activity. I may be able to assist you in excluding a statement to law enforcement if you have given a statement to police.
• Sex Crimes: Allegations of sexual abuse or sexual assault are extremely serious and carry severe consequences. I have substantial experience in both negotiating outcomes and representing clients at trial. Working with an experienced criminal lawyer who has handled these types of cases is important.
• State Criminal Defense: Cases tried at the Circuit Court or District Court level require exceptional knowledge of criminal law. As a former prosecutor, I am prepared to take on these complex cases.
• Stealing and Theft Crimes: Crimes involving theft can vary widely in severity and punishment. I can analyze your charges and determine the best course of action.
• Traffic Tickets: Legal representation can dispute tickets or reduce fines. I can help work to maintain your driving privileges.
• Veteran Criminal Defense: I offer strong defense to veterans charged with a criminal offense and am often able to obtain alternatives to jail and prison sentences.
• Violent Crimes: I offer skilled defense in challenging accusations and evidence in violent crime cases.
• Weapons Charges: All prosecutors aggressively prosecute firearms and weapons offenses, particularly those involving the discharge or threat of discharge of a firearm. I have the experience, knowledge, and skill to assist you with firearms and weapons offenses.
• White Collar Crimes: White collar crimes generally involve embezzlement or fraud. I have experience with white collar crimes, including Medicaid fraud. I will examine the details of all transactions and help develop a strategy to resolve the case through negotiation or to litigate the case at trial.

Why You Should Hire an Experienced Criminal Lawyer

I have practiced criminal law for over two decades. I am a former prosecuting attorney. I now utilize my experience for the benefit of my clients. I have practiced on both sides of the criminal justice system as a defense attorney and as a former prosecutor.  I understand what a prosecutor must prove, and I use that experience and knowledge in order to provide a better defense for my clients.

I have won jury trials in both state and federal courts. My ability and willingness to try cases often allows me opportunities to negotiate outcomes with a prosecutor more favorable to my client than if the case proceeded to trial. I utilize a team approach in representing my clients, which gives them better access to information and provides for more efficient representation.

I have been recognized by U.S. News as one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Missouri. I have been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the top 100 lawyers. I have been voted as the number 1 criminal defense lawyer by popular vote in the Jefferson City News Tribune. I have been voted City’s Best Attorney by popular vote in Jeff City Magazine. I have authored the DWI Practice Series, Second Edition, a reference book published by The Missouri Bar for lawyers dealing with the topic of chemical revocation refusals for driving while intoxicated (DWIs) cases where a person refused to submit to a breathalyzer test or blood test and implied consent warnings.

Furthermore, I have been selected by the Missouri Bar to speak on subjects for continuing legal education courses for lawyers such as Criminal Law Nuts & Bolts and Auto and Traffic Stop issues. I have spoken to civic groups, young professional organizations of the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and paralegal associations. I am a member of The National Trial Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Missouri Bar, and numerous other organizations.

Who I Serve in Criminal Defense Cases

Criminal charges can affect anyone, and every person who walks into my office comes with a unique set of circumstances, concerns, and goals. My practice is built around understanding what each client is facing and delivering representation tailored to their specific situation.

Whether you are unsure what to do next or you are trying to weigh your options carefully, I am here to help. Here are some of the people I most commonly serve:

• People unsure whether to fight the charge or take a plea: You need a clear picture of the evidence against you, the realistic outcomes of a trial, and whether a plea, diversion, or charge reduction serves your best interests before committing to any course of action.
• Anyone worried about how a criminal case could affect their future: You are concerned about what a conviction or criminal record could mean for your job, education, housing, professional license, driving privileges, immigration status, firearm rights, security clearance, or background checks.
• Individuals who are not sure what a criminal defense lawyer does: You know you may need legal help, but you want to understand what a defense attorney actually does, when to call one, and how legal representation works to protect your rights at every stage of a criminal case.
• Prospective clients trying to decide if they need a criminal defense lawyer: You are weighing whether the charge is serious enough to warrant hiring an attorney, how to find the right fit, and what questions to ask during the process of making that decision.
• Those concerned about the cost of criminal defense: You need experienced legal representation but are concerned about fees, and you want to understand the factors that affect the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney before moving forward.

Wherever you are in this process, my goal is to give you the information and representation you need to make the best possible decisions for your life.

My Process: A Candid Legal Assessment of Your Case

I begin by meeting with my client. I then begin our investigation of the case to better understand what has occurred and what evidence exists. I apply the law to the evidence to determine a strategy to move forward. I believe a candid approach to legal representation is the only approach. I will then meet with my client to discuss the case and provide a candid assessment. Frequently, clients do not hear what they want but rather learn of the risks and benefits associated with pursuing a particular strategy. Occasionally, a more detailed opinion is necessary. This can include a written legal opinion setting forth how certain laws may affect a client’s particular situation. The next step may involve meeting with the prosecutor to discuss options to obtain the most favorable outcome for the client. This may involve several discussions and meetings. Or, sometimes, I begin preparing for trial by implementing our trial strategy. Regardless, I keep my client informed so that the client is aware of how the case is progressing.

Obtaining the Best Criminal Lawyer to Avoid Jail

As an experienced criminal lawyer, I maintain a goal-oriented approach to the representation of my clients facing criminal charges. Most clients want to avoid jail or prison. The client may suggest a shift in strategy from a trial approach to instead focus on how to avoid imprisonment. Clients still want the best possible outcome, realizing that the choices presented may amount to what is the lesser of the evils. I may focus on evidentiary weaknesses in the case, but ultimately, this is where our professional relationships with prosecutors are important. Prosecutors know that I am experienced and knowledgeable. My professional relationship with prosecutors allows for open communication and discussion.

Common Questions My Clients Ask

The Police Are Here. Should I Answer Questions?

Generally, the answer is no. Law enforcement officers are responsible for protecting the public and enforcing the law. Because officers are rarely present when an incident occurs, they will speak with witnesses to piece together what happened. You should not speak with an officer before hiring a lawyer to represent you.

Officers can make an arrest if they believe a crime was committed, and any statements you make can serve as the basis for that arrest. Those same statements can later be used against you by a prosecutor. What you tell an officer is not confidential.

The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives every person the right to remain silent. No person is required to make a statement to law enforcement, regardless of what an officer may say. Officers are only required to read a person their rights after an arrest and before questioning. In most situations, you should avoid making any statement.

There are exceptions. Sometimes a person may be approached or stopped by an officer without having been involved in any criminal activity. Answering some questions may clear up the matter quickly. Sometimes a person may not have done anything wrong, and speaking with an officer may resolve the issue. However, these are rare cases.

What if the Police Want to Search My Car or House?

Why does an officer want to search your car or house? It’s usually because the officer believes there may be evidence of criminal activity. In these situations, a person may have certain rights. It’s important not to waive these rights. Generally, law enforcement officers must have a search warrant to search a place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. But officers are not always required to have a search warrant. The law has carved out many exceptions to the search warrant requirement. The easiest way police can search a house or car without a search warrant is simply by obtaining a person’s consent to search. There is no good reason to agree to a search of your house or car. Agreeing to allow a police officer to search a car or home waives the search warrant requirement, and your criminal lawyer now has one less item he can argue on your behalf.

Does it Matter Who I Hire to Represent Me for My Criminal Case?

Does it matter who I hire to represent me in a criminal case? The answer is yes. Not all lawyers have the same education, training, and experience. It’s true that all lawyers have a law degree. Few lawyers focus their careers on practicing and researching criminal law. It’s important to hire a lawyer who has the ability and experience to represent you effectively.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost?

How much money will it cost me to hire a criminal lawyer? The answer varies depending on a number of different factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

• The Type of Case: An infraction or misdemeanor is usually less complicated than a felony. The punishment is more severe with a felony and therefore, more work is usually involved.
• The Needs of the Client: Each client is unique. Some individuals are more goal-oriented and have a “big picture” approach to the case. Other individuals are detail-oriented and want to be involved in the process. The needs of the client and the client’s level of involvement can directly affect the cost of the case.
• The Work Involved: There are certain criminal cases that require more investigation, research, and time than other cases. Investigations can involve speaking with numerous witnesses and conducting depositions. Some cases may involve filing motions to challenge or suppress evidence.
• Delays in the Court Process: Courts and judges may prioritize certain cases, such as an individual incarcerated in jail versus an individual on bond. These delays can result in increased costs due to the number of court appearances.
• Whether the Case Will Involve Trial: The most significant expense often is whether the case is resolved through a guilty plea or some other disposition, or, instead, whether the case proceeds to trial. All trials are expensive. Jury trials are more expensive than a bench trial or judge-tried case because a jury trial requires more work, including preparing pre-trial motions, drafting jury instructions, identifying and marking exhibits, witness preparation, and the time spent in court at trial.

Contact a Criminal Lawyer

You should speak with me if you have been arrested, if you are the subject of a criminal investigation, or if you have been charged with a crime. I am an experienced criminal defense lawyer, and I can assist you with your case. Avoid making any statements to the police or prosecuting lawyers before talking to me. Speaking with law enforcement usually hurts your case because the statements can then be used against you. Speaking first to a criminal lawyer is important to better understand your rights and to develop a strategy moving forward that is consistent with your desired objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges in Missouri