Author:
Kimberly J. Benjamin, Founder & Managing Attorney
January 29. 2021.
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.
When Should You Hire a Jackson County Attorney?
The Missouri judicial system consists of the Circuit and Municipal Courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Missouri Supreme Court. Jackson County lawyers may argue their case in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District, or the Supreme Court of Missouri.
There are 45 circuits in Missouri, and some circuits serve a number of counties. However, the 16th Circuit Court is serving just Jackson County. Besides the Circuit Court, Jackson County likewise has 16 municipal courts where misdemeanor cases are heard for offenses that happen within the numerous towns’ city limits.
If you are facing criminal charges in Jackson County, it’s time to reach out to a law firm that considers a guilty plea only as a last resort in order to defend yourself against pending criminal charges. You can’t let an arrest turn into a conviction and a guilty plea without a fight. To protect your future, finances, and freedom, you should never face the judge without a dedicated legal advocate by your side.
Why Should You Hire a Jackson County, MO Lawyer?
Although some people think they don’t need a lawyer if they didn’t do anything wrong, that may not be true. Unfortunately, people who are innocent may end up in jail and even plead guilty to a crime they didn’t commit. That is why you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you realize you may be arrested.
Hiring a public defender to represent you is certainly one way to deal with potential charges. But, bear in mind they might have heavy caseloads, which can make them more prone to accept plea deals. On the other hand, private Jackson County lawyers have just one goal – to defend your rights.
Through a free consultation, the experienced attorneys at The Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center can help you understand the charges facing you and guide you to the best possible resolution.
Criminal defense is our focus, and we defend the rights and freedoms of every client we represent. Our Kansas City, Missouri attorneys, use all available tools and information and create the best defense for your criminal charges. They will leave no stone unturned. Whether it involves criminal defense or other legal matters, the Jackson County attorneys at the Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center will represent you with passion and advocate for your legal rights.
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.
What Questions Should You Ask a Lawyer Jackson County MO?
When you search for a lawyer or law firm, one of the best ways to make sure they are right for you is to interview them during their free consultations. You can make a list of questions and take notes on the legal advice provided during your consultation. Among the questions you should consider are definitely the ones regarding their area of expertise, experience, as well as their track record of success.
You should also inquire about the potential and additional costs that may be involved besides lawyer’s fees. Ask about their legal team and who will be in charge of your particular case. Also, make sure you and your potential attorney are a good fit. It’s crucial that you feel comfortable sharing your problems since your lawyer will be the one who advocates for your rights.
Finally, before hiring an attorney, make sure they are in good standing as a member of the Jackson County bar and that he or she is not subject of any disciplinary actions.
Before hiring any lawyer, contact the lawyer disciplinary agency in your state to confirm that they are in good standing as a member of the bar. Also, it is strongly recommended to choose a law firm that is nearby or easily accessible.
The Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at the Benjamin Law Firm is serving clients throughout the Missouri side of the Kansas City metro area, including Jackson County. With offices in Kansas City Missouri and Belton, Missouri, our law firm is dedicated to providing aggressive and tactical criminal defense representation to every client. Take advantage of our free initial consultation and contact us at 816-322-8008 today.
