How Our Lawyers in Jackson County MO Can Help You When Facing Criminal Charges

Jackson County lawyers at The Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center can help if you are facing criminal charges and your freedom is at stake.

How Our Lawyers in Jackson County MO Can Help You

At one point in their lives, many people will find themselves in a situation where they’ll need services from an experienced attorney, especially when it comes to a criminal defense case.

Being charged with or even just investigated for a crime can be frightening. If convicted, a criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life. On top of fines and jail time, a conviction can make finding a job, getting a loan, obtaining housing, or pursuing higher education in the United States more difficult.

A typical Missouri law firm may push their client to accept a plea deal and get convicted for serious crimes. But, that is not what we do. We have a reputation for fighting and winning tough criminal defense cases, no matter how serious they appear to be. We believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

If you are facing criminal charges for drug crimes, DWI, sex crimes, violent crimes, or burglary, your freedom is on the line. Our team of criminal defense attorneys at The Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center can show you that we take your freedom as seriously as you do. We are not afraid of going to trial, and we’ll do whatever we can to protect your rights.

What You Need to Know About Being Charged with DWI in Jackson County, Missouri

In Missouri, it is illegal to be in control of a vehicle if you have an “excessive” BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) or if you are in an otherwise intoxicated condition – whether because of drugs, alcohol, or some combination of the two.

In general, Missouri law defines an “excessive” BAC as anything in excess of 0.08%. However, if the driver is operating a commercial vehicle, the legal threshold is reduced to 0.04%. For minors (those under 21 years of age), an excessive BAC is defined as anything over 0.02%. 

If you have been charged with a DWI in Jackson County or anywhere else in Missouri, the criminal penalties you will face depend on a variety of factors. The most important factor is whether you have been previously convicted of a DWI and if so, how many previous convictions you have.

For a first offense, Missouri law imposes a maximum jail term of 6 months. While uncommon, the full sentence can be imposed if there are aggravating factors in your case (such as death or serious injury to another driver). In addition, you can face fines of up to $1,000. This fine is in addition to court fees and any restitution that the court may order. Your driver’s license will also be suspended for 30 days. After 30 days, you may be eligible for limited driving privileges.

For a second offense, you can receive up to 1 year in prison in addition to being required to pay up to $2,000. Again, court fees and possible restitution mean that you could end up paying far more. Your license can also be revoked for 5 years.

For a third offense, you can receive up to 4 years in prison and will be required to pay $10,000 in fines on top of court fees and any court-ordered restitution. Your license will be revoked for 10 years. 

If you have been charged with DWI, it is crucial to have an experienced law firm on your side. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys will work to provide you with the best possible resolution to your case.

Jackson County Bar Association: How to Choose a Lawyer

The State of Missouri Bar and County Bar Associations are a great resource for finding attorneys who are experienced in the practice area in which you require assistance. The Missouri Bar Association offers tools such as Lawyer Search and Lawyer Directory, which can help individuals find and assess lawyers.

Many online resources can also be a good source. The majority of them have client reviews, so you can see how other people have interacted with a particular attorney. That can be helpful when deciding between attorneys or law firms.

You can also ask your friends, family members, or neighbors for recommendations. When you’ve compiled a list of potential Jackson County attorneys, you can evaluate them. Free consultations can be a good way to ask a lawyer about their expertise, as well as potential costs.

You should search for a lawyer who is familiar with state, county, and local laws and court rules. For instance, if you are facing a legal issue in Jackson County, Missouri, you should look for a law firm with experience with two major courts in Jackson County: the Municipal Court and the 16th Circuit Court. Each of these courts handles specific types of criminal and civil cases, and each has its courthouses located throughout the county.

No matter which courthouse is hearing your case, you can rest assured that the skillful attorneys of the Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center are ready to stand by your side. Their experience navigating the Jackson County court system is invaluable and only a part of what places them among the top criminal defense law firms in Kansas City, Missouri.

After a free consultation, the attorneys at The Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center will explain the options available to you and assist you in resolving the charges against you.