Criminal Defense Attorneys in Jefferson City

Encountering the criminal justice system, whether through arrest or investigation, can be an intimidating experience. It's crucial to remember your rights: the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising these rights is your first step towards a robust defense. Having an attorney on your side can help you get through police interviews without incriminating yourself and understand what to expect as your case moves through the system. When you're facing the possibility of incarceration and other life-changing repercussions, you need an experienced criminal lawyer working for you.

At Loraine Law Center, we stand ready to support and defend those who have found themselves navigating the complexities of the legal system in Jefferson City and the surrounding areas. We understand that mistakes happen. We're not here to judge; we're here to do everything we can to preserve your freedom and ensure your case is treated fairly.

At Loraine Law Center, our legal expertise extends across a broad range of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Our areas of specialization encompass:

• Assault and Battery: These violent crimes are serious charges that can result in jail time, fines, and damage to your reputation. An attorney can help you defend yourself against these allegations

• Child Sex Crimes Defense: Sex crimes carry a heavy social stigma and severe sentences, and this is even more true when the alleged crime involves a minor. We provide dedicated legal representation for those accused of these offenses, focusing on a rigorous defense and sensitivity to the complexities of these cases

• Domestic Violence: Domestic disputes can quickly escalate, resulting in criminal charges for one or both parties. A domestic violence allegation can affect every area of your life, from your employment to your custody rights

• Drug Offenses: Crimes involving controlled substances can vary significantly in severity — including both misdemeanor and felony offenses — and the potential penalties. Our firm advocates for clients facing drug-related charges

• Juvenile Crimes: Juvenile crimes can still carry significant penalties, and in some cases, it may be possible for a child to be tried as an adult. Whether you are dealing with the juvenile or adult system, Loraine Law Center specializes in the defense of minors in legal matters

• Probation Violations: Violating probation can result in being required to serve time behind bars or other penalties. We help clients navigate the complexities of probation issues

• Theft and Burglary: Attorney Kyle Loraine helps defendants fight back against property crime accusations

• Traffic Violations: While almost everyone gets a traffic ticket at some point in their life, this doesn't mean that a traffic law violation shouldn't be taken seriously. An attorney can help you fight a ticket and manage serious traffic-related offenses, such as driving while intoxicated

• White-collar Crimes: The government treats white-collar crimes seriously, and being accused of financial offenses or fraud can result in significant jail time. Attorney Kyle Loraine is experienced in tackling cases of financial fraud and embezzlement

Beyond defense, we offer support for post-conviction relief, including expungement, aiming to clear past criminal records for a fresh start. Our strategy is both aggressive and well-informed, and we're dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, even in the most complex situations.

There are many defense strategies that an attorney might discuss with you based on the unique features of your case. Which one is the right path for your charges depends on the strength of the prosecution's evidence. In some cases, it's possible to attack the evidence against you, challenging its veracity or how it was obtained. There are strict rules for how evidence is gathered, including what constitutes a lawful search and seizure and how the chain of custody must be maintained. If there are any discrepancies with the evidence, an experienced attorney may be able to get the evidence thrown out or argue its relevance in front of the jury. Getting evidence ruled as inadmissible can be a devastating blow to the prosecution, and it's often enough to get the charges reduced or dismissed or a more favorable plea deal negotiation.

It's possible that an attorney may recommend that you consider a plea bargain if the evidence against you is strong and the charges carry harsh penalties if convicted. A plea bargain involves entering a guilty plea in exchange for something from the prosecution — usually either a reduced charge or a more lenient sentence. For example, someone accused of rape may plead guilty to assault as part of a deal. While first-degree rape is punishable by life in prison, first-degree assault is a Class B felony, which has a maximum prison term of 15 years. Anytime you are considering a plea bargain, it should be done only with the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Having a criminal conviction on your record, especially for a felony, can have life-long consequences, and an attorney can ensure you have all the information needed to properly weigh the decision.