Criminal Defense in Kansas City, MO
What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Kansas City, Missouri attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Missouri criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Kansas City criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Kansas City professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Kansas City you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Missouri laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Kansas City, Missouri you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
Probationary sentencing in Missouri is largely at the judge’s discretion. There is no mandatory minimum when receiving a probationary sentence in Missouri. However, the judge cannot sentence you to more than 5 years. Keep in mind that factors like past criminal history will affect the judge’s decision.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
If you have received a probationary sentence in Kansas City, Missouri, the Division of Probation and Parole of the Missouri Department of Corrections will be responsible for your oversight. You’ll be expected to meet with your court appointed probation officer on a regular basis. You may even have to submit to random drug searches. In addition, you’ll be expected to conduct yourself as an upstanding citizen by refraining from future criminal activities. As well as performing community service, and paying any restitution and court fees that the judge deems necessary. Violating your probation can have serious negative consequences. If you are arrested, you may have to appear before a judge at the U.S. Court of the Western District of Missouri. If the judge finds you to be in violation you could face jail time. If the violation is serious enough you could have your parole revoked.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Kansas City, Missouri criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet. In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.
Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.
The Missouri Board of Probation and Parole will try and help you rejoin society in Kansas City. They will appoint you a parole officer, but it is your responsibility to schedule meetings with this officer. You’ll may have to maintain employment, undergo classes for substance abuse if necessary, and refrain from fraternizing with any known felons. You’ll also forfeit your second amendment rights and will be barred from owning a firearm. If you violate any of these terms you may have to appear before the Parole Board. If they find against you, you can be remanded back into custody to serve out the remainder of your sentence. There is no appeal to the Parole Board’s decision. According to the Rules of the Department of Corrections, you are entitled to representation when coming before the Parole Board. Any experienced criminal lawyer in Kansas City can help you.
If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Kansas City, MO criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Kansas City, Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Kansas City criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Kansas City, MO criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Missouri state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
