Other Criminal Matters

Our criminal defense law firm is committed to providing high-quality legal representation to people accused of crimes in and around Joplin and throughout Missouri. We understand that being charged with a crime is a daunting experience, and we will guide you through your case while we protect your rights and fight for a Not Guilty verdict or dismissal of the charges.

Our criminal defense lawyers are passionate advocates who have built a reputation for success based on our meticulous preparation and thorough knowledge of the law. We are well-known for our aggressive and unconventional approach to criminal defense and for the results we achieve on behalf of our clients.

As Southwest Missouri’s premiere criminal defense law firm, we are driven to protect our clients’ rights and will help you navigate the court system with the responsiveness, respect, and discretion you deserve.

Traffic Offenses

While traffic offenses may seem trivial, they are not as harmless as you may think.

Every plea of Guilty or No Contest to a traffic offense adds points to your license. If you get too many points, you risk higher insurance rates and could even lose your license. Our knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense lawyers can help you avoid getting points on your license.

Missouri’s Points System

A driver accumulates points for every traffic offense. You risk losing your driver’s license if you get:

• Eight points within 8 months
• Twelve points within 12 months
• Eighteen points within 24 months
• Twenty-four points within 36 months

Pleading guilty or paying off a traffic ticket can result in severe consequences, including points on your license, increased insurance rates, and loss of your driving privileges. Our criminal defense law firm can help you avoid accumulating points on your license. If you already have points, we can work to get them removed.

Traffic Offenses We Handle

Here are common traffic offenses we handle:

• Speeding
• Speeding in a work zone
• Driving without a license
• Driving with a suspended license
• Reckless driving
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Failure to use a child seat or child safety restraint
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Expired registration
• Driving without insurance

Expungement and Restoration of Rights

A criminal record can make finding a job, getting into college or technical school, or finding suitable housing more difficult. If you were convicted of a crime, you may lose some of your rights, including the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and, in some cases, the right to own a gun. Our criminal defense law firm can help restore your rights and have your criminal record removed or sealed from public view.

People run background checks for a variety of reasons. Employers check your criminal record when you apply for a job. A landlord may run a criminal background check when you apply to rent an apartment. Colleges or technical schools may consider your criminal record when deciding to admit you.

By having your criminal record expunged, you can make it so only law enforcement agents can see it. When asked if you have any criminal convictions, you can truthfully answer “No” in all but a few limited circumstances. However, sealing a criminal record is a complicated process. Our criminal defense law firm can help.

Our criminal defense law firm can request and review your criminal record to determine whether you are eligible for expungement. We can file a Petition for Expungement with the appropriate court. If there are any objections to the request for expungement, we can represent you in court and explain to the judge why expungement is appropriate in your case.

Restoration of Rights

If you were convicted of a felony, you may have lost some of your rights, including the right to own a gun, the right to vote, and the right to serve in public office. Regaining your rights can be difficult. Our criminal defense law firm can evaluate your situation to determine whether you are a candidate to apply for a restoration of rights.