Being arrested on a criminal charge is usually one of the worst experiences of your life. You are frightened, upset, and/or confused. You are worried about your freedom, your family, and your future.
This is why you need a Missouri criminal defense attorney — someone who knows the law, someone who knows the system, and someone who will fight for you. They speak on your behalf and strive to achieve the best result for you.
Let us dissect this so that you know what to expect, what an attorney does, and how they help you.
Why You Should Never Appear on Criminal Charges Alone
The criminal justice system is not instinctive. Police, prosecutors, and judges are familiar with the rules and the legal practice system. You’re not. Without a lawyer, you will make choices that will cost you your freedom, money, or your future. A good lawyer knows how to:
- Guard your rights when questioned
- Investigate whether the police legally obtained evidence
- Find weaknesses in the case against you
- Negotiate bargains that minimize charges or penalties
- Fight for you aggressively in court
Even a small charge has serious implications. Without a lawyer, you can plead guilty unnecessarily, fail to appear at key deadlines, or fail to present an effective defense.
Standard Missouri Criminal Cases
Missouri criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of charges. These are the most common ones they defend:
- DUI/DWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs)
- Drug charges (possession, selling, or manufacturing illegal drugs)
- Assault or battery (injury or threatening an individual)
- Theft or burglary (taking money or property)
- Sex offenses (such as sexual assault or abuse)
- White-collar offenses (such as identity theft, fraud, or embezzlement)
All of these offenses have statutes and sanctions associated with them. A lawyer who is familiar with these offenses is capable of crafting a defense to suit the situation.
What Happens When You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
A defense lawyer does a heck of a lot more than just speak in court. They deal with everything in the case, including:
- Reviewing police reports and evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Preparation and filing motions to dismiss or reduce charges
- Negotiating with prosecutors
- Counseling you about plea bargains
- Preparation to take the case to trial
- Representation of you at trial and sentencing
They keep you informed as to what’s happening so you have no idea.
How Criminal Charges Affect Your Life
Criminal charges aren’t merely about punishment and trial. It has the potential to affect all walks of your life, including:
- Loss of a job — Companies will typically fire a person who is charged or convicted of an offense.
- Lost house — Tenants will be rejected by landlords due to having a record.
- Stress to the family — Charges will put a strain on your marriage and hurt your relationship with your children.
- Mental illness — Depression or anxiety caused by being charged.
- Reputation loss — Public charge or arrest can lose you your reputation.
That is why criminal cases need to be treated so delicately.
What to Expect from a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Missouri
You do not anticipate that all lawyers are made equal. What you require is a lawyer who:
- Handles only criminal defense (and not general law)
- Has experience with local judges and prosecutors
- Has experience handling cases like yours
- Explains things in simple, plain language
- Listens to your side of things
You should be able to feel confident that your attorney cares about your case — because they should.
Steps in a Missouri Criminal Case
Most criminal cases follow the same general steps:
- Arrest or criminal charge — The police arrest you, or the prosecutor charges you.
- Bail or release — You are released or are required to post bail to prevent being jailed.
- Arraignment — You appear before a judge and are read the charges against you.
- Pre-trial hearings — Your lawyer can make motions or seek dismissal of some charges.
- Plea negotiations — In most cases, a plea bargain is negotiated without trial.
- Trial — If no agreement is reached, the case is tried.
- Sentencing — If you’re convicted, the judge decides your sentence.
- Appeals — Sometimes you can appeal the verdict.
Your attorney does everything. They make sure you’re heard and your rights are maintained.
FAQs
1. How soon should I hire an attorney after being arrested?
You should call an attorney as soon as possible. Tarrying can prove costly for your case. An attorney can help you out on bail, protect your rights, and counsel you before you talk to the police.
2. Can an attorney keep you from having a criminal record?
Occasionally, yes. Your attorney may be able to negotiate the plea, argue with the charges, or get you into a program that prevents you from being sent to prison. Each case is different, so you must ask about your options.
3. Do I need to hire an attorney if I’m going to plead guilty?
Yes. Even if you’ve entered a guilty plea, a lawyer can reduce the penalty or charge. They can make sure the bargain is reasonable and chase away some surprises.
4. What if the police made a mistake?
If police trod on your rights, your attorney can ask the court to toss out some of the evidence or drop charges. Police mistakes sometimes can make all the difference in the case.
5. How can I pay for a private attorney to represent me?
Most defense lawyers have a flat fee or payment plans. Others bill by the hour. It’s better to ask first so you will know where you are.
Defense Strategies an Attorney Can Use
A defense lawyer will develop a strategy based on the facts of your case. Some popular strategies include:
- Arguing no intent — Showing that you didn’t mean to commit a crime.
- Challenging the evidence — Pointing out weak or illegal evidence.
- Giving an alibi — Proving that you were somewhere other than the site of the crime when it occurred.
- Claiming self-defense — Proving that you acted because you needed to protect yourself or others.
- Showing police mistakes — Pointing out mistakes in your arrest, search, or how you were picked up.
Every case is different, so the strategy must fit the facts.
Why Speed Is Important
Time is crucial in a criminal case. Evidence is lost, memories fade, and deadlines pass. The attorney will have to take time to prepare the case, file motions, and draft an answer. Wait too long and you can miss out on valuable opportunities to develop your defense.
Local Knowledge Is Important in Missouri
Missouri courts have local judges, rules, and procedures. A lawyer who knows the local jurisdiction is aware of:
- How local judges tend to rule
- What prosecutors typically must offer in a plea bargain
- What defenses are best in that local jurisdiction
Knowledge of the local jurisdiction can make a huge difference in your result.
Defending Your Future
A criminal case is more than what happens today. A conviction can affect your future for years to come, including:
- Obtaining a job
- Renting an apartment
- Getting to school
- Maintaining a professional license
A good attorney does not care about your hearing in court today. They care about how you are going to be handled by them later on.
Endnote
You have been arrested for a crime in Missouri. Seek assistance immediately. Do not delay. A seasoned Missouri criminal defense attorney can safeguard your rights, defend your charges, and aid in putting yourself in position for the future.