Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Joseph, Missouri

Facing criminal charges in Saint Joseph may be scary, but you don’t have to do it alone. A criminal defense lawyer can help you fight conviction and the consequences that come with it.

At Eslinger Law Firm, LLC, you can put our experience in your corner to stand up to the prosecution and fight for your freedom. Our experts in criminal law will present a strong defense while giving you the personal attention you deserve. Contact our reputable Saint Joseph law firm today for a confidential and free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer. We serve the entire North Kansas City area.

How a Saint Joseph Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help with Misdemeanors and Felonies

In Saint Joseph, Missouri, the criminal justice system is full of complexities. You may be facing criminal charges categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. Each one will have a different level of severity and penalties.

Misdemeanors may be less serious offenses than felonies, but they can still result in significant fines, jail terms, and other life-altering consequences. Regardless of the severity of your charges, you should never face them without an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Our legal team will help you to understand your legal options and the process of moving through the court system. With our years of experience in representing defendants in a variety of cases, each criminal defense lawyer in our law office will stand up for you and work to preserve your reputation and your freedom. 

Common Types of Cases Represented by Our Criminal Defense Lawyers

Whether it is your first time being in trouble with the law or a consequent offense involving major felonies, our reputable law firm takes pride in representing clients and strives for the best outcome. If you have recently been arrested for any criminal charges, our criminal defense lawyers will protect your rights and stand up for you. 

Sex Crimes

Criminal charges that involve sex crimes are often charged as major felonies. Whether you face sexual harassment or rape, you need a strong defense. You may be innocent and facing false accusations that could tarnish your reputation and your career. These serious charges require the expertise of a criminal defense attorney who will work to shield you from the negativity of these accusations. 

Weapons Crimes

Crimes committed with weapons and illegal possessions of weapons are taken seriously in Northwest Missouri. The charge of illegal possession of a weapon is a felony which can become even more serious if it is added to other crimes. You may be facing some of the harshest punishments if you are convicted. Beyond that, weapons crimes on your record can impact your future employment opportunities. This makes securing top legal defense a priority. 

Theft and Robbery

On the minor side of things, you may be facing shoplifting or you could be facing felony charges for burglary, fraud, or grand larceny. You shouldn’t take any chances with your freedom. The severity of your case will usually hinge on the value of the stolen items and whether you used a weapon. Let us help you avoid a serious conviction that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. 

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases arise between people in close relationships including spouses, couples that live together, dating couples, siblings, or even parents and children. It is a crime that is usually imposed with physical abuse, emotional abuse, kidnapping, stalking, and rape. These charges are some of the toughest to face and our Saint Joseph defense attorneys won’t let you face them alone. Our criminal defense lawyers will fight to protect your reputation and keep you from other consequences that may impact your child custody rights and child visitation. 

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are related terms but very different in meaning. Battery means a deliberate use of physical force on another person while assault means physically harming someone on purpose. The sentencing for these crimes will depend on the harm suffered by the victim, making it possible to face either misdemeanor or felony charges. If a weapon is allegedly involved, the charges are upgraded to felony.

Drug Offenses

In Saint Joseph, MO, drug violations are among the most common that can range from drug possession to trafficking of controlled substances. Many factors stand to impact the severity of drug charges such as the quantity, type of drug, and whether or not it was simple possession, manufacturing, selling, transporting, or trafficking.

Controlled substances in Missouri are categorized into 5 schedules. Schedule I is the most severe, which includes heroin, MDMA, LSD, and marijuana. Schedule II applies to cocaine, fentanyl, meth, and OxyContin. The schedule of the drug will determine which penalties you may be up against. Most illegal drug possessions fall under a Class C penalty, which may require you to pay up to $5,000 in fines and spend a year in jail or 2 to 7 years in prison, depending on the drug involved.

Manufacturing drugs is considered a Class A felony which can be punishable with between 10 and 30 years in prison. Trafficking is also a Class A felony though the sentence will vary based on the amount and type of drug. Selling drugs or possession with an intent to sell is a Class B felony that will have you facing 5 to 15 years in prison. For all of these drug charges, make sure you have a Missouri attorney who understands the intricacies of the laws involved. 

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) or DWI  is one of the most common traffic violations. You may face mild or severe punishments depending on whether or not you have a criminal record, your level of impairment, and if you caused an accident that led to injury or death.

DWI charges will result in losing your driver’s license, probation, community service, participation in diversion programs, and possibly jail time. A DWI can affect your professional license and cause future employment issues. It will also result in higher insurance rates.

Other traffic issues beyond DUI and DWI may also affect your livelihood. Reckless driving, registration violations, traffic tickets, and driving on a suspended license are all violations that will require the extensive experience and expert defense of our Saint Joseph criminal defense attorneys. 

Understanding Expungements in Missouri

Another important area of criminal defense for our clients is expungement. Even if you have been convicted of a crime, we can work on your behalf to get your criminal record expunged.

However, this option is only available for certain misdemeanors and felonies. If you are eligible, expungement will make your criminal record visible only to the federal and local courts, law enforcement agencies, and certain employers.

Murder and other Class A violent felony charges are not eligible for expungement. Additionally, any offense that requires you to register as a sex offender, involves domestic assault, or a DWI is ineligible.

Start strong with your defense and secure the best possible outcome for your liberty by contacting the criminal defense lawyers at Eslinger Law Firm, LLC today. 

The Experience You Need to Fight Your Criminal Charges

It is essential to hire a Saint Joseph, MO criminal defense attorney when you are facing any type of criminal charges. Even a minor crime can result in major consequences when you don’t prepare the proper defense.

Our St. Joseph law office is experienced with jury trials and cases leading up to the Supreme Court. We represent all matters of criminal law and are confident we can represent each of our clients with the integrity they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer.