St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have recently been arrested or learned that you are under investigation on suspicion of a crime, you will naturally worry first about the immediate threats to your freedom and well-being. Will you be stuck in jail for a while? Will you be able to carry on with life as usual while your defense gets underway? What will the long-term consequences be to your reputation, personal life and livelihood?
Your situation may seem overwhelming as you are facing criminal charges or allegations. Rest assured. At KesslerWilliams, we have decades of experience helping our fellow Missourians, as well as Illinoisans, courageously overcome criminal charges.
For Your Own Good, Work Closely With Your Defense Attorney
Your lawyer may succeed in getting your case dismissed or even prevent an arrest if you have not yet been arrested. When you work with KesslerWilliams, you will benefit as your attorney guides you in the right direction while keeping you well-informed about all aspects of the criminal justice system and legal processes that pertain to you.
We fight for fair trials and out-of-court solutions for people charged with crimes such as the following in the St. Louis area and beyond:
- Driving or boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI/DWI or BUI)
- Speeding, driving recklessly or other serious traffic violations
- Violent crimes, including assault and battery, domestic violence and abuse, weapons violations, kidnapping and arson
- Fraud, conspiracy, identification theft (ID theft) and other white collar crimes
- Shoplifting, robbery and other types of theft
- Sexual assault and other sex crimes
- Drug possession, manufacture or distribution
- Juvenile crimes
- Probation and parole violations
Let us know what questions you have about your charges or any criminal law issues such as those discussed below.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense
We are here to provide information as well as prepare effective defense strategies. Ask us whatever is on your mind such as the following.
What should I do if I am arrested in St. Louis?
If you are arrested in St. Louis, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Provide only your basic identifying information to law enforcement, such as your name and address. Do not discuss the circumstances of your arrest or make any statements about the alleged crime. Take these important steps immediately:
- Request to speak with an attorney immediately and do not answer any questions without legal representation present.
- Memorize or write down important details about your arrest, including the time, location and names of the arresting officers.
- Contact a family member or trusted friend who can help coordinate with a criminal defense attorney on your behalf.
- Remember that all phone calls from jail may be monitored, so avoid discussing any details about your case over the phone.
The sooner you engage legal representation, the better positioned you will be to protect your rights and build an effective defense strategy.
What does it mean to be under criminal investigation, and do I need a lawyer yet?
Being under criminal investigation means that law enforcement authorities are gathering evidence to determine whether there is probable cause to believe you have committed a crime. You may become aware of an investigation through direct contact from law enforcement, a subpoena, a search warrant or from others who have been questioned about you.
Even if you haven’t been charged with a crime, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as you learn you’re under investigation. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney can often prevent charges from being filed or minimize their severity. Your attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect you from making self-incriminating statements, make sure your rights are protected during searches and seizures, and begin gathering evidence to support your defense.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines typically not exceeding $2,000. Common misdemeanors include:
- First-time DWI offenses
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Disorderly conduct
Felonies are more serious crimes, resulting in state prison sentences exceeding one year and substantial fines. Common felonies include:
- Drug trafficking
- Serious violent crimes
- Grand theft
- Armed robbery
Multiple misdemeanor convictions can sometimes lead to felony charges for subsequent similar offenses. Both types of charges require skilled legal representation to protect your rights.
Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
An experienced lawyer understands the legal system and the most effective routes to favorable outcomes in a wide range of criminal cases. People who settle for working with public defenders or attempt to represent themselves often make mistakes and may serve jail time when they could have had probation instead.
Should I answer questions that the police or other law enforcement agents ask me?
You should give your name and be courteous. However, for your own sake, you should not answer detailed questions about the circumstances of your arrest or the charges against you before seeking legal counsel. Police investigators are trained to interview suspects in an attempt to get a confession leading to a conviction. The less you say about an alleged criminal offense without an attorney’s guidance, the better.
Why should I hire KesslerWilliams?
A review of our qualifications will help you see why our firm is a good choice for aggressive criminal defense in the St. Louis area. One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor. Several have been educators in law schools. Our jury trial experience, track record and dedication to your defense are reasons to give our firm a second look.
Related Areas Of Our Full-Service Defense Practice
A criminal allegation can also raise issues regarding your employment, education, immigration status and driving privileges, including your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Furthermore, you may face an administrative hearing involving the Department of Revenue or Division of Social Services, or a hearing regarding your employment license with The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners or a similar credentialing organization. If you are a student or college educator, you may have to defend yourself from allegations of violating collegiate misconduct policies covered by Title IX.
Our attorneys at KesslerWilliams have a record of success in resolving the issues referenced above. Our legal advice encompasses a wide array of criminal and professional credentials defense issues in St. Louis and the surrounding areas in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
Get Sound Legal Advice And A Strong Defense For Criminal Charges
Know your legal rights. Start collaborating with our team after you have been charged with a crime, named in a criminal investigation or scheduled for a criminal trial. We will work toward the most important goal for you: preventing a criminal conviction and a criminal record.
To reach our Saint Louis law office and schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney about your marijuana possession charges or any misdemeanor or felony charges, call 314-720-5476 or email us.