Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in O'Fallon, MO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in O'Fallon, Missouri?

  You can reach the O'Fallon Justice Center, Police Department, & Municipal Court at (636) 240-3200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in O'Fallon, Missouri?

  To obtain a police record from the O'Fallon Police Department, call (636) 379-5678 or (636) 379-5643, from Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM.

  You can also make an online request by clicking the link below:

  https://www.ofallon.mo.us/requests-for-public-information

• What are the legal ramifications of motor vehicle tampering in O'Fallon?

  This is what is commonly known as the theft of a motor vehicle (which includes any motor-propelled vehicle such as a motorboat) and is classified as a Class D Felony. Convicted offenders could be looking at paying hefty fines of up to $10,000, and a prison sentence that ranges from 1 year in county jail to 7 years in state prison.

• What is a good thing to know about fulfilling your probation in O'Fallon?

  O'Fallon adheres to strict probation laws which the offender must agree to follow down to the letter. It may be helpful to know that there are many people who violate these orders because probation conditions are designed to be difficult to follow. For example, an offender may unknowingly mingle with someone who's been convicted of a crime. It becomes very important to hire a criminal defense attorney to establish your innocence in cases like this.

• What can happen if you fail to resolve a traffic violation in O'Fallon?

  If you fail to respond or resolve a traffic violation in O'Fallon, a warrant of arrest may be issued for you. This means that if you ever get pulled over by a police officer next time, even for something so small as not using a turn signal, you run the risk of spending time in jail.

• Is marijuana illegal in O'Fallon?

  Not anymore. Recreational marijuana has just been legalized in November of 2022, making Missouri the 21st state to achieve this. Enacting this law also means opening the door to O'Fallon locals who have been convicted of a marijuana-related charge to have their records expunged and those who are currently incarcerated for the same offense to file for a petition of release.

• Is assault considered a felony in O'Fallon?

  It depends. If there was sheer intent to cause harm to another person and then the offender acted upon that intent, then yes it is considered a Class E felony. It can climb higher to Classes D, C, and B, depending on the gravity of the injuries inflicted. It becomes a Class A felony, however, if the victim falls under the "special" category, such as the elderly and the disabled.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.