Criminal Defense Attorney in Thayer, Missouri

According to the most recent statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, over 230,000 criminal arrests were made by law enforcement agencies statewide in 2018. Criminal offenses in the state of Missouri include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, arson, and domestic violence. A person convicted of any of these crimes may be facing substantial fines, lengthy jail time, a permanent criminal record, and other life-changing ramifications.

If you are under investigation for committing a crime or if you're facing criminal charges, it is paramount that you retain a skilled and aggressive Missouri criminal defense attorney to outline a strong defense for your case. At my firm, The Law Office of Fred O'Neill, I’m proud to use my extensive experience and resources to defend and represent individuals who have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense. I can help you navigate the Missouri criminal justice system, represent you at every stage of the legal process, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

I’m also proud to serve clients in Thayer, Missouri, and the surrounding communities of West Plains, The Ozarks, and North Central Arkansas, so call my office today to schedule a free consultation.

Criminal Charges in Missouri

In Missouri, when a person breaks the law the police, law enforcement, or a public prosecutor can file charges against the individual. Criminal charges in Missouri are typically categorized into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.

Infractions

Infractions are violations or petty crimes where the only punishment authorized by statute is a fine or a fine and forfeiture. Some common examples of infractions include traffic violations, speeding tickets, and noise complaint tickets.

Misdemeanors

In Missouri, misdemeanors are considered more serious than infractions, but less serious than a felony. As defined by statute, misdemeanors are punishable by a fine, imprisonment in county jail for up to one year, or both. Some common examples of misdemeanor offenses include driving with a suspended license, canine cruelty, disturbing the peace, and many more.

Furthermore, misdemeanors are categorized into four separate classes:

• Class A Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in county jail, a maximum fine of $2,000, or both.

• Class B Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to six months in county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.

• Class C Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 15 days in county jail, a fine of up to $700, or both.

• Class D Misdemeanor: Punishable by a maximum fine of $500.

Felonies

Felonies are serious offenses that attract harsh punishment. In Missouri, a felony is punishable by significant prison time and possibly even the death penalty. Felonies are further classified into the following categories:

• Class A Felony: For example, first-degree robbery or second-degree murder. Punishable by 10 to 30 years in state prison or life imprisonment.

• Class B Felony: For example, voluntary manslaughter or first-degree burglary. Punishable by five to 15 years in state prison.

• Class C Felony: For example, domestic assault, child molestation, or involuntary manslaughter. Punishable by three to 10 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000.

• Class D Felony: For example, fraud or writing bad checks. Punishable by up to seven years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000.

• Class E Felony: For example, providing false information to vital records or breach of confidentiality regarding taxes. Punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

Charges that I Defend

At The Law Office of Fred O'Neill, I am committed to providing outstanding legal services and comprehensive representation for a wide range of criminal charges, including, but not limited to:

Assault

An individual may be charged with assault for attempting to cause or negligently causing physical or bodily injury to another person.

DWI

Under Missouri law, a person may be facing DWI charges for operating a vehicle while in an "intoxicated condition," or for driving while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other illicit drugs.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes, including possession of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, delivery, or distribution, are punished severely in the state of Missouri.

Domestic Violence

In Missouri, domestic violence involves violent acts committed against family members, spouses, household members, and persons with whom the defendant is or has been in a romantic relationship.

Theft

Theft occurs when a person takes property or services belonging to others with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Traffic Violations

Traffic violations occur when you break a traffic law, notwithstanding whether your vehicle is in motion or not. Receiving a ticket for a traffic violation can impact your driving privileges and result in a revoked or suspended license.

Sexual Assault & Rape

Sexual assault involves all forms of non-consensual sexual acts with another person. The legal term for the sexual act often depends on the nature of the act and what part of the anatomy is involved.

It’s important to remember that this is not a comprehensive list, and there are several other criminal cases that my law firm handles. If you're facing criminal charges, contact me at The Law Office of Fred O'Neill today to evaluate your case and determine your best defense strategy.

Choose an Experienced
Criminal Defense Attorney

The outcome of your criminal case can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life, liberty, and future opportunities. Putting your faith in the hands of a public defender can always be a risk when it comes to defending your charges. Public defenders are usually overloaded with casework and may not give your case the personalized attention and dedication it needs. Therefore, if you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you must act quickly and hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with the trial experience and skill to defend you.

For more than 30 years, I have been handling criminal cases and helping clients facing criminal allegations. As your legal counsel, I will review and investigate every last detail of your case, explore your possible legal defenses, and outline a strong defense to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Using my extensive trial experience and comprehensive understanding of the law, I will help you navigate the Missouri criminal justice system and represent you at every phase of the legal process. I will fight aggressively to protect your rights and attempt to keep your record as clean as possible. So don’t wait, call or reach out to my firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.