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. My office is centrally located in Jefferson City, Missouri, and I concentrate my practice in the central Missouri area; however, from my location in Jefferson City, I have the ability to represent clients throughout Missouri.

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 to 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 understands 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 crucial in defending against charges of domestic violence or defending against orders of protection, which are also known a restraining orders.

• Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence (DUI):

Being charged with driving while intoxicated or driving while under the influence doesn’t 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 driving while revoked involve mandatory jail time. I can assist you in attempting to avoid jail. I also have experience in both appealing a license suspension or seeking a license reinstatement.

• Drug Crimes:

I have years of experience defending drug offense in both state and federal court. Missouri judges often give out harsh penalties for drug crime convictions. I can assist you with reducing charges, finding alternatives to trial, trial itself, or in helping with mitigating sentences.

• Ex Parte Violations:

I can assist you with violating 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 the complex federal law, addressing complex discovery, trial, and mitigation involving the complex United States Sentencing Guidelines.

• Felonies:

As a criminal lawyer, I can assist you with your felony case. I will work to attempt to obtain a dismissal, reduce the offense and engage in plea negotiations to obtain the best outcome available. I represent clients for all  serious felony cases. I also 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. Misdmeanors 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. This may including continuing you on probation or a reinstatement of 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 have severe consequences. I have substantial experience in both negotiating outcomes and in representing clients at trial.  Working with an experienced criminal lawyer who has handled these types of cases  is vital.

• State Criminal Defense:

Cases tried at the Circuit Court or District Court level require an 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 punishments, if convicted. 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. I 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 prosecutor 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 either resolve the case by a negotiated, or to litigate the case at trial.

Experienced Jefferson City Criminal Lawyer. Why You Should Hire Me.

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 understands what a prosecutor must prove, and I used 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 allows my clients 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. Scott 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 Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Missouri Bar, and numerous other organizations.

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 Jefferson City criminal lawyer, I maintain a goal-oriented approach to the representation of his 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 be 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Police Are Here. Should I Answer Questions?

The police are here. Should I answer their questions? Generally, the answer is no. Law enforcement officers have the responsibility to protect the public and enforce the laws. Law enforcement is not usually present when an incident occurs so an officer will speak with witnesses to find out what happened. You do not want to speak with an officer without having first hired a lawyer to represent you. Law enforcement can arrest a person if the officer believes that a crime was committed. Any statements made to the police can be used as a basis to make an arrest. Those same statements can later be used by a prosecutor in a criminal case. What a person tells an officer is not confidential. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides each person with certain protection in that each person has the right to remain silent. No person is required to make a statement to law enforcement, regardless of what an officer may say. Law enforcement is only required to read a person their “rights” in connection with an interrogation conducted during an arrest. A police officer is not required to read a person their “rights” until after a person is arrested and questioned. In most situations, a person 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 in 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 Jefferson City 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 that 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.