Our Jefferson County criminal defense lawyers understand the embarrassment and anxiety that comes with an arrest. We put clients at ease and deftly handle every stage of your defense without passing judgment.
Our mission is to provide you with high quality legal defense. We do this armed with a thorough knowledge of case law and the court system. We aim to reduce or eliminate bail requirements so you can remain free while we prepare your case. Our attorneys spend substantial time on cases and gather information from witnesses, and, when necessary, hire investigators and experts. We are up front about the risks of trial and explain the pros and cons of any offered plea bargain. In the event of a conviction, we work to reduce sentences.
Above all, our Jefferson county criminal defense lawyers keep you informed of the status of your case and all available options. We regularly meet one-on-one with you—not just for a few seconds in the court hallway prior to your hearing. You will not have unanswered questions before you go to court.
When your future and your freedom are at stake, you need a team of experienced Jefferson County criminal defense lawyers who put you first. Our firm principal, Michael Lowry, is a former assistant prosecutor and Judge, and he knows how to protect your rights. With a thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system, how prosecutors operate, and how best to defend each case, he has guided the firm’s criminal defense team in obtaining solid results for clients in thousands of state, county, and municipal cases throughout eastern Missouri.
Our firm handles all criminal defense matters, whether they are felonies, misdemeanors, or traffic matters. Some of the charges include:
Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by up to one (1) year in the county jail and a fine up to $2,000, or any combination thereof. Felonies are more serious crimes and punishable by more than one (1) year in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Depending on the felony charge, prison sentences can range up to life in prison.
An infraction is punishable by a fine only, not to exceed $400 and is not considered a crime. However, even with an infraction, hiring an attorney is advised.
All people accused of a crime are legally presumed to be innocent unless and until they are proven guilty, either by a trial or as a result of a plea of guilty. This presumption means not only that the prosecutor must convince the judge or jury of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but also that the defendant need not say or do anything in his own defense, if they choose not to. The presumption of innocence, coupled with the fact that the prosecutor must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, makes it difficult, but not impossible, for the government to put innocent people behind bars.
The U.S. Constitution gives a person accused of a crime punishable by a sentence longer than six months the right to be tried by a jury.
The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives every criminal defendant in a criminal proceeding the right not to testify, and jurors will be told that they cannot assume anything negative if the defendant decides to exercise his or her right to remain silent. A criminal defendant can testify if they choose to do so subject to certain ethical considerations.
An accused may want to remain silent at trial depending on his or her prior criminal history because a prosecutor may be able to bring this information to light on cross-examination. Jurors may harshly judge a defendant with a poor demeanor or may not believe one who is being truthful.
Absolutely. Representation at an early stage in a case can increase the odds of no charges being filed or increase chances of charges being reduced. An attorney can also protect your rights during the investigation and offer keen insight into issues such as making a verbal or written statement to the police or other law enforcement, submitting to a lie detector test, etc.
The arraignment is where you first appear before a judge and the judge reads the formal charges to you. Once the formal charges are read to you the judge will ask you to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to the offense(s) charged. If you are represented by counsel, your attorney may attend your arraignment for you. If you are not represented by counsel, you must personally attend your arraignment or a warrant may issue for your arrest. Being represented by counsel should assist with protecting your rights, as well as answering any questions one may have concerning substantive or procedural matters.
We handle all types of criminal charges, both felony and misdemeanor, at the state, county, and municipal level. We do not handle federal criminal charges.
When you contact our firm regarding the defense of criminal charges, an attorney, not a paralegal, legal assistant, or secretary, will discuss all aspects of your case with you, including the sentence for the charges(s) and the potential defenses. There is no charge for the initial consultation, which can take place either in the privacy of one of our offices or over the telephone.
We have significant criminal defense experience and work to protect the rights of our clients. We conduct a thorough investigation, present an honest assessment of your case and provide aggressive and intuitive legal representation.
4633 Yeager Road
Hillsboro, Missouri 63050
636-797-3131
615 Collins Drive
Festus, Missouri 63028
636-931-8787