St. Charles Criminal Defense Lawyer

We Will Aggressively Advocate for Your Rights

The possibility of a criminal conviction is often alarming and serious. If convicted of a crime, you could face time in prison, pay fines, or go on probation. Additionally, a conviction can stay on your record for years and make it difficult to find employment or education. The experienced attorneys at Smith Law Offices, LLC can help you create a strong defense strategy. Our St. Charles legal team offers sound counsel and advocacy for all our clients.

When you are under investigation or charged with a crime in St. Charles County, you may be unsure what will happen at the St. Charles County Circuit Court or how to protect yourself during each stage of the case. We take time to explain the Missouri criminal process, discuss what the charges mean, and outline your options so that you can make informed decisions about your future. By carefully reviewing the evidence, court procedures, and potential consequences, we work to put you in the strongest position possible under the circumstances.

To get started on your case, call our office at (636) 400-1177 today and speak with our criminal defense attorney in St. Charles!

Our Attorneys Will Fight for You

When someone accuses another person of a crime, the accused is often encouraged to seek counsel from an attorney. Our St. Charles criminal defense lawyers will work with you to quickly think up a legal strategy. We understand the severity of this type of accusation and will do everything we can to ease your emotional stress.

As we build your defense, we listen to your side of the story, identify what matters most to you, and tailor our approach to those priorities. Whether your main goal is avoiding jail, limiting the long-term impact on your record, or protecting professional and family interests, we adjust our strategy accordingly. Our familiarity with local prosecutors and judges in St. Charles helps us anticipate how a case may proceed and prepare you for what to expect at each court appearance.

We can help defend our clients facing the following charges:

• DWI: People caught driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances face serious legal ramifications such as license revocation, fines, and even jail time.

In addition to possible jail time and fines, a DWI can affect your ability to drive to work, school, or care for your family, especially if your license is suspended through the Missouri Department of Revenue. We review the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood results to determine whether your rights were violated or whether the evidence can be challenged. By acting quickly after an arrest in or around St. Charles, you can preserve important defenses and give your criminal defense lawyer in St. Charles more options to pursue.

• Traffic Offenses: While seemingly minor, traffic violations can have negative side effects on your life. If found guilty of a traffic violation, your insurance company may increase your payments, or you could pay hefty fines to the court.

Some traffic violations can also lead to points on your license, potential suspension, and long-term increases in insurance premiums, depending on your record. We assess whether it is possible to amend your ticket, challenge the stop, or negotiate an outcome that better protects your driving history. For clients who drive for a living or commute regularly on I-70 or other major routes through St. Charles, protecting your license can be especially important.

• Possession of Drugs & Paraphernalia: Depending on the type or amount of drugs you are found with, you could face a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Drug cases can also involve questions about searches, warrants, and whether law enforcement had the right to stop you or look through your vehicle, home, or personal belongings. We review how the police obtained the evidence and whether any constitutional issues could lead to a reduction or dismissal of certain charges. Our goal is to seek alternatives where available, such as treatment-based options or reduced charges, while helping you understand how Missouri drug laws apply to your situation.

• Theft: Taking an item that does not belong to you with the intention of permanently denying the rightful owner of the item is theft. The amount of stolen property, combined with its worth have a great impact on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft.

The outcome of a theft case can affect your record, employment prospects, and reputation, particularly because many employers are cautious about hiring someone with a conviction for a crime involving dishonesty. We investigate the facts, any surveillance or witness statements, and potential misunderstandings that may have led to the accusation. By carefully presenting your side and exploring negotiation or trial options, we work to pursue the most favorable resolution available for you and your family.

• Assault: Physically harming or touching another person without consent are crimes of assault. Depending on the severity of the action, you could face probation or time in prison for this action.

Assault cases often involve conflicting stories, high emotions, and sometimes alcohol or stressful family circumstances. We analyze police reports, medical records, and any prior history between the individuals involved to understand the full context of what happened. If your case arose out of an incident in St. Charles or the surrounding area, we also consider whether self-defense or defense of others may apply and how best to present that argument in negotiations or at trial.

• And more: For a complete list of our criminal defense practice areas, call our firm today.