Criminal Defense Attorneys in

The criminal defense system exists to keep everyone safe and ensure that those who break the law are punished. However, it's not always this simple. People can be wrongfully accused or face life-changing penalties for what was simply a mistake or a minor lapse in judgment. When you're facing arrest and the possibility of jail or steep fines, you need experienced legal representation to guide you through this process. Whether you are innocent, it's your first offense, or you have a previous criminal record that may result in enhanced penalties, criminal law attorney Kyle Loraine is here to help.

Being convicted of a crime can affect every area of your life, from employment to relationships with your family and friends. Ensure you have the support you need to fight your charges by calling Loraine Law Center, LLC, at 816-720-7634 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Our law firm has helped countless clients in the Metro Area and surrounding counties successfully protect their rights and freedom.

The criminal court system can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate, and one of the best things a defense attorney offers is information. An experienced criminal offense lawyer ensures you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties, what rights you have, and your legal options for moving forward. They are there to explain every step of the process, from entering a plea to appealing a verdict, so you can make informed decisions on how you want to proceed.

Whether you're dealing with misdemeanor charges for a property crime or simple drug possession or you are facing more serious allegations, such as violent crimes or sex crimes, your attorney also plays a significant role in the investigation of your case. They will evaluate the evidence the prosecution has against you in a process known as discovery, and they often conduct their own investigation to help uncover other evidence or witness testimony that could support your defense. An attorney with experience with criminal cases can look at your case and the exact legal statutes that apply and tailor your defense to the crime. This includes having a detailed knowledge of the laws and what's required for a conviction. For example, some crimes require premeditated intent. If your attorney can show that you didn't mean to commit the crime, it could result in a dismissal of the charges.

While many criminal cases are settled out of court through plea deals, there is always the chance that the right strategy for your charges involves going to trial. In this situation, a trial attorney represents you and is your voice and advocate. They will question witnesses, object to evidence provided by the prosecution, and do all they can to fight for you and your future.

The potential penalties of a conviction in Missouri don't stop at jail time and fines. While these immediate consequences are severe, a conviction can also have a long-term impact on other areas of your life. Working with an experienced attorney can help you minimize these repercussions.

One of the most serious penalties for a conviction is being sentenced to time behind bars, either in a county jail or state prison. The length of the sentence depends on whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, with felony charges having longer sentences. Jail time for a misdemeanor is generally less than one year, and it could be as little as a day or two. Class D misdemeanors — the least serious of all categories — may not require jail time. Felony sentences can range from 1 year in prison for a Class E felony to 30 years without parole for certain Class A felonies.

Sometimes, the court imposes a monetary fine as part of a sentence. As with incarceration, the potential fines you could face depend on the type and level of charge and increase with higher-level crimes. Misdemeanor fines can be up to $2,000, and felony fines are up to $10,000. Remember that fines are separate from any restitution you may be ordered to pay the victim. For example, if someone is convicted of theft, they may be required to pay the victim restitution in the value of the stolen property if it was not able to be recovered. These fines also don't include court costs or legal fees.

A judge can order you to complete a certain number of hours of community service as part of your sentence. These hours are often served at nonprofit organizations or similar agencies that serve public needs. Community service hours are unpaid, and while the work can be rewarding, it's usually manual labor, and the significant time investment can also make it challenging to keep up with our other work and family responsibilities.

If you're sentenced to jail time, it's likely that you'll end up losing your job, and the impact this has on your career can be challenging to recover from when you're released. If you are convicted of a felony, it could also affect what jobs you're eligible for, and it can be challenging to find employment. Depending on the type of charge, you could also risk losing a professional license, such as a commercial driver's license or a medical license. You're also likely to suffer damage to your professional reputation and social stigma.

Children grow quickly, and being physically separated from your children due to incarceration can be extremely difficult. That's time you can never get back, and it's often one of the things that defendants regret the most. However, having a criminal conviction can also affect your custody and parenting time rights. It's common for the courts to award sole custody to one parent when the other is in jail, and it's often an uphill battle to regain custody once you're out. If the court believes that the children would potentially be in danger in your presence, it's possible to end up with supervised parenting time or even have your parental rights terminated entirely. If you have children and you're facing criminal charges, it's critical to have an attorney who is dedicated to providing aggressive representation to preserve your rights and your ability to be in your children's lives.

There's a common misconception that misdemeanor crimes aren't "serious" and that they don't require the help of an attorney. But this couldn't be farther from the truth. Even if you're a first-time offender, there's no guarantee that you won't face significant jail time. Many people also believe that they can take a plea deal to avoid incarceration, but even if this is possible — which is a big if when you're representing yourself — having a criminal conviction on your record can mean enhanced penalties if you're charged with a similar crime later on.

Any time you are dealing with the criminal justice system, whether it's a shoplifting charge or a serious drug crime, working with an attorney is key to protecting your freedom and your future.

Each case is unique, and part of an attorney's role is to determine what strategy has the highest chance of a favorable outcome. Some of the potential options include:

The prosecution has the burden of proof in the criminal justice system, and they must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires substantial evidence tying the defendant to the crime and showing that the defendant meets all the elements necessary to be convicted. If there is not enough evidence or the evidence is circumstantial, an attorney can argue that there isn't enough for a conviction. In some cases, evidence can be ruled inadmissible in court, which may result in the charges being dropped if the prosecution doesn't think they can prove their argument without it.

If you can provide proof that you were somewhere else when the crime was committed, this can result in the charges against you getting dismissed. An attorney may also use this argument at trial to introduce doubt as to whether you were the only one who could have committed the crime at that time and place.

Some crimes aren't illegal if they are justified. Using physical force to defend yourself is a typical example. If the law allows for a justification and your attorney can deliver a compelling argument for it, this can significantly help your case.

If the evidence against you is strong and you would likely face severe penalties if convicted, your attorney may recommend negotiating a plea bargain. This can help you avoid a trial and get a lesser sentence than if you were to take the case to trial.

After you are arrested, the usual next step is to be booked. This involves being processed by law enforcement, which generally means having your picture and fingerprints taken. Your personal information will be put into the system, and the arrest will usually be part of the public record.
Once you have been booked, you will be arraigned, which generally happens within 48 hours of arrest, excluding holidays and weekends. The arraignment is when you enter your initial plea, and you should have an attorney representing you by this point. This is also when the judge may decide if you are eligible for bail.

At this point, you will work with your attorney to decide whether you plan to attempt to negotiate a plea deal or take the case to trial. If a plea bargain is struck, you will change your plea to guilty and proceed with sentencing. If you decide to go to trial, the first preliminary hearing will be scheduled. Going through a trial can take years, so it's essential to ensure you understand what to expect and have an attorney on your side who can guide you through this process.

Attorney Kyle Loraine is a former prosecutor, and he brings this knowledge and experience to his work as a criminal attorney. He strives to ensure the strongest defense possible for each client, including a tailored legal strategy and aggressive representation. Call 816-720-7634 today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Loraine Law Center, LLC. Our firm serves clients in Downtown , North , Jackson County, and the surrounding areas.