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Missouri Criminal Lawyer

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If you have been accused of a serious crime, you need the services of an experienced criminal lawyer. Although there are many qualified criminal attorneys in the state of Missouri, finding the right attorney for your case is important. You will want to find an attorney with experience in your type of case, for example, a firm which specializes in defending people charged with DUI, if that is the charge you are facing.

Criminal law, also known as penal law, involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime. Although criminal laws vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, a crime can be broadly defined as any act, or omission of an act, in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding that act.

Crimes include both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies include, but are not limited to, rape, aggravated assault, torture, murder, kidnapping, embezzlement, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion and grand larceny. Misdemeanors include, but are not limited to, simple assault, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, petty theft, possession of small amounts of drugs, trespassing, vandalism and prostitution.

Laws and punishments vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. While U.S. citizens enjoy one of the greatest justice systems in the world, there are flaws in the system, and occasionally people are charged with crimes they did not commit. In these cases it is necessary to mount a defense to fight the charges. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which means that the prosecution is responsible for proving that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your criminal attorney can bring all of his or her skills to the courtroom, however, in order to make that job very difficult.

When you are charged with a crime, you can face punishments that include jail time, fines, and probation or parole, depending on the severity of the crime. Violent crimes carry the harshest penalties, with convicted felons facing life imprisonment or even the death sentence. In cases involving less serious crimes, however, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal. A plea deal may reduce your sentence or lessen the charges against you, in return for your fulfilling some requirement pleading guilty, or completing some court-ordered treatment program.

In the event that a plea bargain is not possible, and your case does go to court, your criminal attorney will fight to present the strongest defense possible. He or she will use the evidence of the case, any witness or expert testimony, and his or her own knowledge of the law and the customs of the court to argue on your behalf.

If you are charged with a serious crime, your future depends upon your choice of a criminal attorney. It is imperative to have the best representation available in order to fight on your side against the charges against you. Contact a qualified Missouri criminal lawyer today. Visit the American Bar Association (ABA) website in order to locate a lawyer.