Springfield Criminal Defense Lawyer
Getting arrested is usually a shock. You might be frightened, confused, and unsure of what to do. The first thing you should do is contact a Springfield criminal defense lawyer from Anthony Phillips Law Firm, LLC, who can help you understand your legal rights and advocate for you during this time.
No matter the crime or the evidence the police say they have, there are always defenses you can raise. A robust defense could result in dismissed charges or an acquittal. Additionally, working with a skilled attorney can help reduce the consequences that might follow a guilty verdict or plea.
Crimes vary in their seriousness, but all criminal charges deserve a vigorous defense. Conviction for a crime creates a criminal record that will follow that person forever, in addition to the punishment the judge imposes. Our Springfield attorneys will do all they can to avoid a conviction for a criminal defense case.
Misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of up to $2000. The law establishes five categories of misdemeanor crimes, from Class A, the most serious, to unclassified misdemeanors, which do not merit possible jail time.
Felonies are more serious crimes. They often involve violence, drugs, or theft of property of substantial value. In Missouri, felony sentences must be served in state prison. Potential sentences range from a maximum of four years imprisonment for a Class E felony up to thirty years or life in prison for a Class A felony.
Defending criminal charges in federal court is a specialized area of practice that requires specific knowledge and skills. Investigatory practices, rules of evidence, and sentencing guidelines differ between state and federal courts. Our attorneys represent people who have been contacted or detained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Homeland Security, or an investigator from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Under our justice system, prosecutors must prove that a specific person committed a specific crime. If they cannot establish an accused person’s guilt, they must go free. Challenging the prosecutor’s evidence of every element of the crime can sometimes persuade them to drop the charges or reduce them to a lesser charge. Additionally, exposing the weakness of the prosecutor’s evidence at trial could help raise doubts in the jurors’ minds.
Our system requires police officers to act with integrity and obey the law and the Constitution. A Springfield attorney from our firm can review the circumstances of the arrest to determine whether law enforcement respected the accused’s rights for a criminal defense case. They will look for evidence the police:
If the police appear to have violated an accused person’s Constitutional rights, a judge might suppress evidence they obtained illegally. In some cases, prosecutors will drop charges when police misconduct tainted an investigation or arrest.
Criminal activity is often the result of substance abuse, mental health challenges, anger management issues, and poverty. Incarceration cannot effectively address any of these problems.
State and municipal courts recognize this and have begun offering various programs that allow people to avoid jail or prison if they complete a program to address an underlying issue such as addiction. There are many such programs, and more are being developed constantly.
A Springfield attorney is familiar with these diversion programs in the local area and knows the specific criteria a person must meet to be eligible for a criminal defense case. They can work with the prosecutor to enroll an accused in an appropriate case.
Regardless of the severity of the crime, it is your right to assert a vigorous defense. You are unlikely to get justice unless you fight back, and the assistance of a Springfield criminal defense lawyer can be invaluable during this time.
Work with a legal professional who is committed to your well-being. Get in touch with our firm today to schedule a consultation about your potential case.
(417) 708-8900
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Anthony Phillips provides legal services to both individuals and business entities. We have a skilled and experienced team, ready to address all your legal needs.