Criminal Defense Attorneys in Springfield, MO
If you’re facing criminal charges, time is of the essence. You need legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Springfield, MO and you need it fast. If you are found guilty of the crime you are being charged with, it will stay on your permanent record, which will set up a series of negative repercussions throughout the rest of your life.
A criminal conviction can result in hefty fines and jail time, as well as long-term obstacles to employment, education, renting or owning a home, and even the right to vote. Additionally, criminal charges can strain relationships and have been known to adversely affect the psyche of the person being accused. While some legal matters can be handled on their own, a criminal charge warrants legal advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Missouri Legal is Here to Help
Whether you’ve been wrongly accused of a crime, or you’ve simply made a mistake, we are here to help and guide you through every step of the criminal case process. At Missouri Legal, we have ample experience in criminal defense law. Our criminal defense lawyers regularly mitigate the dismissal or reduction in charges against clients for the following criminal charges and activities:
- Assault
- Domestic assault
- Passing a bad check
- Forgery
- Theft
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Receiving stolen property
- Identity theft
- Resisting arrest
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Minor consumption of alcohol
- DWI
- Armed criminal action
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Probation violation
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Prostitution
- Tampering with a motor vehicle
- Animal neglect
- Non-support
In many cases, we can arrange a resolution that will protect our clients from a conviction on their criminal record.
What is Criminal Law?
Criminal law encompasses the body of rules and statutes that define conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens public safety and welfare. It regulates behaviors deemed harmful or disruptive to society, such as murder, theft, assault, and other offenses. The primary goal of criminal law is to maintain social order, deter criminal behavior, and provide justice through punishments such as fines, imprisonment, or community service. It operates through legal proceedings where the state prosecutes individuals accused of violating these laws, ensuring due process and protection of rights for both victims and defendants.
Types of Criminal Law
Criminal law encompasses several types of offenses, each addressing different aspects of prohibited behavior and their associated penalties. Here are some key types of criminal law:
Felony
Felonies are serious crimes typically punishable by imprisonment for one year or more, or even death in some jurisdictions. Examples include murder, robbery, rape, and large-scale drug trafficking.
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses than felonies and usually carry lighter penalties, such as fines, community service, or up to one year in jail. Examples include minor theft, simple assault, and certain types of drug possession.
White-Collar Crime
This category includes non-violent crimes committed by individuals or businesses for financial gain, such as fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and bribery.
Juvenile Offenses
These offenses are committed by minors (usually under 18 years old) and are handled in juvenile courts. They include crimes like underage drinking, truancy, and certain non-violent offenses.
Drug Offenses
These offenses involve the illegal possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances, ranging from simple possession to trafficking large quantities of drugs.
Sex Crimes
These crimes involve sexual misconduct or abuse, including rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and indecent exposure.
Traffic Violations
While typically not considered criminal offenses, serious traffic violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to criminal charges.
Corporate Crimes
Crimes committed by corporations or their employees, such as environmental violations, product safety violations, and antitrust violations.
Each type of criminal offense is defined by specific statutes and carries its own set of legal consequences, reflecting the severity and nature of the prohibited conduct.
Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney Is Your Best Defense
It is a well known fact that if you are charged with a crime you will be able to represent yourself in court or that the state may appoint you a free counselor to assist you during court proceedings. While these are both viable options for lesser crimes, more often than not, the outcome for the above options is not particularly positive. Many factors play into this, mostly, inexperience from the person being accused and lack of time due to the heavy caseloads that state appointed attorneys take on at any given time. Unless you have exhausted all other options, hire a criminal defense attorney. Criminal charges are serious and need to be handled as such, only a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who specializes in criminal law will be able to deliver the results required to get your life back.
Seek Legal Advice from Missouri Legal Today
To determine if Missouri Legal is the best option to handle your case, contact us to arrange a time for a free consultation. At your free consultation, we will analyze your case and overall situation to establish a plan of action. We will also answer any pressing questions you may have in regards to the criminal charges you are up against and court procedures. A consultation is in no way a binding agreement, we simply want to make sure you have the opportunity to work with a Springfield, MO criminal defense law firm that you will feel comfortable with and trust to protect you and your rights during this arduous journey.
We know the legal system and have handled plenty of criminal cases for clients. Protect your legal rights with a defense attorney you can rely on.