Trying to represent yourself on a criminal matter in Charlack MO is not terribly easy!! Because if you decide to forgo the option of hiring a regular attorney, you will likely end up pleading guilty to the charge.
Why is this the likely outcome? Because when you represent yourself, the court will treat you as if you are in fact an attorney. This means that the clerk, prosecutor, and judge will not give you any leeway when they speak to you. And if you tell the court that you do not understand what they are saying to you (about the law or court procedures), you will not get a sympathetic ear.
Pleading Guilty Is Not Your Best Option!!Here’s an example: you have been charged with stealing (value of the goods allegedly stolen less than $500). This is a Class A Misdemeanor (which can come with up to one (1) year in jail and a $1000 fine). On the night of court, your name will be called and you will come to stand before the bench. The judge will read off the charges alleged against you (this is called “the arraignment”). After he/she is done, the judge will then ask, “How do you plead to these charges?” Most people believe this is their opportunity to explain their version of events, so they will start to say something like, “Well, it actually didn’t happen that way. I was just standing there by myself, and …” Before you can say anything else, the judge will stop you from saying more. Again, the judge will say, “I need you to tell me how you plead to these charges. If you want, you can plead guilty, and be done with this tonight.”
And when people hear this, they think that a blessing has fallen from heaven!! But if you do in fact plead guilty, that charge will become a part of your permanent record. This will show up anytime someone runs a criminal background check on you. As a result, you will have a much more difficult time securing a good job (or renting a decent apartment, for that matter).
But it does not have to go this way!! All you need to do is give us a call! We will examine all the facts of your case and figure out the defense strategy available! Sometimes this will result in a dismissal of the charges; other times, it could result in a reduction of the charges (so that nothing shows up on your record). Either way, this is far better than simply pleading guilty!!
The affordable St Louis, MO criminal defense attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company, have been helping people with their criminal charges for over ten (10) years. We want to do everything we can to help you get the best possible outcome! We want to make sure that your record stays as clean!! And we want to do all of this at an affordable price. The fees for a typical St. Louis misdemeanor charge start at $450. Our fees for a low level felony charge start at $750. But the initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today!!
We have two main locations: in the Central West End of St. Louis, at 1 North Taylor (on the corner of Taylor and Laclede), 63108; and in the Twin Cities of Festus / Crystal City, at 1000 Truman Blvd (Highway 61/67), 63019. The initial consultation is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!