Criminal Defense Attorney in Missouri
Missouri is the home of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium where the Kansas City Chiefs play eight or nine games each year. The state is also home to the University of Missouri as well as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Anheuser-Busch is also headquartered in St. Louis and owns a variety of popular beer brands such as Budweiser and Stella Artois. However, despite the state’s affinity for alcohol and its relaxed attitude toward tobacco and cannabis, it doesn’t mean that you can drive while impaired or commit other crimes without consequence.
What to Know About the Legal Process
The first step in the legal process is likely an interaction with a police officer or some other state agent. For example, you may be pulled over by an officer after your vehicle is observed traveling in the wrong lane or swerving between lanes. A state agent may come to your home if you are a person of interest in a murder, arson, or some other serious crime.
It’s possible that you will be detained or charged with a crime as a result of such an interaction. If you are detained, you must be read your rights, which include your right to remain silent and to have legal counsel present. Ideally, you’ll say as little as possible until you have an attorney by your side. This may reduce the risk that you say something that might incriminate you or otherwise undermine your legal position.
After being charged with a crime, you may be taken to jail or given a summons to appear in court at a later date. If you are taken to jail, you’ll likely be given a chance to bail out after seeing a judge. However, this may not be true if you’re charged with a felony or there are other reasons to believe that you might be a danger to yourself or others if you’re released.
At some point after being taken to jail, you will be allowed to make a phone call. This may be to a friend or family member to bail you out or to an attorney who may be able to help secure your release. Of course, even if you are allowed to remain free, it’s generally a good idea to hire a Missouri criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney
Local Counsel
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Linda Julin McNamara
Former Chief, DOJ Appeals
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
The Potential Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
One of the key benefits to hiring our firm to represent your interests is that prosecutors, judges and other state representatives hold us in high regard. This is because our attorneys have spent time as federal prosecutors or members of agencies such as the IRS or the DOJ. Therefore, we know how the government thinks as it relates to pursuing a criminal case. Furthermore, the other side knows that we know what we are doing and that we’ll pounce on any mistakes or weaknesses in the case against you.
In addition, hiring an attorney means that you can focus on your needs while the justice system does its work. Instead of having to find documents, answer questions, or attend court hearings, you can focus on running your business, being there for your kids, or generally getting your affairs in order.
Although an attorney can’t guarantee an outcome in your case, legal counsel may be able to give you an idea of what the future might hold. This alone may be enough to quell feelings of anxiety or fear that come with not knowing what might happen after you’ve been charged with a crime.
The Types of Cases Our Firm Handles
Assault and battery, murder, and traffic offenses are charges that are typically pursued by state authorities. You may also be charged with arson, sexual offenses, or drug possession at the state level. Larceny, theft, and other crimes that involve taking another person’s property may also fall under this category. It’s worth noting that depending on where a crime is committed or who the victim of a crime is, you may face federal and state charges. Let’s take a closer look at some of the cases The Criminal Defense Firm might take.
Assault
Assault occurs when you intentionally put someone else in the apprehension of immediate harm. In Missouri, it also includes causing, or attempting to cause, a physical injury to someone else.
Arson or Other Violent Crimes
Arson occurs when you intentionally set fire to a building or another structure in an effort to cause physical or financial harm to another person or entity. Murder is a violent crime that occurs when you unlawfully take another person’s life without justification for doing so. Rape, armed robbery, and other offenses that cause or threaten physical harm may also be considered violent crimes, and these types of offenses are almost always tried as felonies.
Drug Possession
State law generally prohibits you from possessing any amount of prescription medication that doesn’t belong to you. Furthermore, you cannot possess heroin, cocaine, or large quantities of marijuana. It’s worth noting that medical marijuana is legal in the state while being in possession of small amounts for other purposes has been legalized as of December, 2022.
Traffic Offenses
You may be charged with drunk driving if you operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .08%. You may be charged with a drug DUI if you’re found to be under the influence of other controlled substances while operating a motor vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defense strategies will you employ?
There are many different types of defenses we might use in your case in an effort to get a positive outcome. For example, we might argue that an initial statement to the police shouldn’t be used against you because you weren’t told about your right to remain silent. Furthermore, we may argue that you never intended to commit a crime or that you were tricked or entrapped into doing so. Other strategies might involve casting doubt on witness testimony or the results of a field sobriety test.
Will I have to testify at my trial?
You are under no obligation to speak at any point during your trial. This is true even if the person assigned to your case believes that it would be in your best interest to talk. Conversely, you can testify at your trial even if your Missouri criminal defense attorney doesn’t think it is a good idea. It is important to remember that you will be subject to cross-examination if you decide to take the stand. Therefore, you may be at risk of perjuring yourself or otherwise making it harder to obtain an acquittal or favorable plea deal in your case.
What should I know about accepting a plea deal?
If you accept a plea deal, you are entering a guilty plea to whatever charges the prosecutor includes as part of the agreement. For instance, if you are charged with murder, the prosecutor may reduce the offense to manslaughter in exchange for a guilty plea. In the event that you’re charged with DUI, the prosecutor may agree to charge you with reckless driving in exchange for a guilty plea. Plea deals are often made in an effort to keep cases involving relatively minor offenses off of court dockets. They may also be made if the prosecution doesn’t believe it has enough evidence to obtain a conviction at trial.
What if I don't want to accept a plea deal?
Refusing to accept a plea deal means that your case will almost certainly go to trial. Furthermore, there is a chance that additional charges will be levied against you, which may increase your risk of a conviction. It’s also worth noting that the prosecution may ask for the maximum sentence if you are found guilty at trial. However, you are the only one that is allowed to decide whether you want to take a deal or go to trial. Your attorney will mount a zealous defense of your rights regardless of your decision.
Who actually handles my case?
The attorney who is assigned to represent your interests is the only one who is involved in your case. At The Criminal Law Firm, we do not use paralegals or pass your case to a junior associate for any reason.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you are looking for a Missouri criminal defense attorney, contact our national intake number anytime by calling 866-603-4540. You can also reach out online.