In a criminal defense situation, our firm looks first and foremost into whether or not we can get the charges dismissed. This might be possible if the arresting officer violated your Constitutional rights in some (especially a 4th Amendment violation of the search and seizure clause).
If that is not possible, then our firm will look closely into the chances of getting the charges reduced to some lesser infraction (like “littering”). The goal in this kind of situation would simply be to make sure that nothing negative shows up on your permanent record.
Pleading Guilty Is Not Your Best Option!!In some instances, we can work out what is called an SIS. This stands for ‘suspended imposition of sentence'. A probationary period is set up (usually one to two years in length). And so long as you don’t get into any more trouble during this time, the charges drop off as if they never existed.
And then of course you always have the right to a trial (bench or jury, depending on the jurisdiction). This would force the state to prove each element of the statute under which you have been charged. The outcome of this trial could lead to your exoneration (or it could lead to your being found guilty).
But unfortunately, most people do not hire an experienced St Louis criminal defense attorney. Instead, they go it alone, and represent themselves. And while this is your right, you should know that the vast majority of those people do nothing more than plead guilty to the charge. If a guilty plea is entered, it will go onto your permanent record forever. This will in turn have a seriously negative impact upon your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or even take out a loan (because each of these entities will likely run a background check on you).
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!!