Chesterfield Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

Charged With A Misdemeanor in Chesterfield?

A misdemeanor charge in Chesterfield, Missouri, can feel anything but minor. You may be worried about your job, your record, and what will happen when you walk into court. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we focus on criminal defense across Missouri, and we help people in this situation every day.

Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience to each case. We have served as prosecutors in the past, so we understand how misdemeanor cases are charged, evaluated, and negotiated in courts that handle matters from Chesterfield and the rest of St. Louis County. When you contact us, our goal is to give you clear, practical guidance so you can make informed decisions.

If you are looking for a steady, experienced guide through this process, we are here to listen, answer questions, and explain your options. You do not have to navigate a Missouri misdemeanor case on your own.

To schedule a free consultation, call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today.

What is a Misdemeanor?

In Missouri, a misdemeanor is a category of crime that is considered less serious than a felony but more severe than a simple infraction (like a standard speeding ticket).

Misdemeanors are typically handled in one of two ways in the Chesterfield area:

• Municipal Ordinance Violations: These are prosecuted by the City of Chesterfield. While technically "quasi-criminal," they can still carry jail time and appear on background checks.
• State Misdemeanors: These are prosecuted under the Missouri Revised Statutes by the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office.

Even though misdemeanors are "lower-level" offenses, they carry long-term collateral consequences. A conviction can interfere with your ability to secure housing, obtain professional licenses, or even keep your current job.

Misdemeanor Classes & Penalties in Missouri

Missouri law categorizes misdemeanors into four distinct classes (A, B, C, and D). The penalties depend on the classification of the offense:

• Class A offenses:
  • Up to 1 Year in jail
  • $2,000 in fines
  • Common examples include fourth-degree domestic assault, stealing (under $750), and second DWI
• Class B offenses:
  • Up to 6 Months in jail
  • $1,000 in fines
  • Common examples include first DWI, trespassing, and disturbing the peace
• Class C offenses:
  • Up to 15 Days in jail
  • $750 in fines
  • Common examples include Animal Neglect, Excessive Speeding (25+ mph over), and littering
• Class D offenses:
  • $500 fine
  • Common examples include driving with a revoked/suspended license, possession of paraphernalia

Note: In some cases, the court may also order "Special Probation" or community service as part of a sentence.

Common Misdemeanor Charges We Defend

Our firm handles a wide array of misdemeanor cases in the Chesterfield area, including but not limited to:

• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): A first-time DWI is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but it can quickly escalate if there were prior offenses or if a minor was in the vehicle.
• Assault in the Fourth Degree: This involves recklessly causing physical injury or making someone fear immediate physical injury.
• Stealing and Shoplifting: Theft of property or services valued at less than $750 is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
• Drug Possession: While Missouri has legalized recreational marijuana, possession of larger amounts or other controlled substances can still lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Domestic Assault: Even a minor physical altercation with a family or household member can result in a Class A misdemeanor, which is often ineligible for later expungement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Missouri misdemeanor stay on my record?

A misdemeanor conviction can appear on background checks and remain part of your criminal history. Whether it can later be limited or expunged depends on the statute, the outcome of the case, and your prior record. We can review your situation and discuss how a particular charge may affect your record.

Can I go to jail for a first misdemeanor?

Some Missouri misdemeanors carry possible jail time, even for a first offense. Whether jail is likely depends on the charge, your history, and the court. We look at these factors and talk with you about realistic risks and ways to work toward avoiding or minimizing custody when possible.

How soon should I contact a misdemeanor lawyer?

It is usually better to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can after receiving a citation or summons. Early involvement allows us to review information, track deadlines, and prepare for the first court date. Waiting often reduces options and can increase stress as court dates approach.

Do I have to appear at every court date?

Many courts expect the defendant to appear, especially at the first setting and at plea or trial. In some situations, an attorney can appear without you, depending on the court’s rules and the type of hearing. We can explain what your particular court expects and how we handle appearances.

How will your team keep me informed?

We work to keep you informed through direct communication from our attorneys. That includes explaining upcoming court dates, discussing plea offers, and answering questions about the process. Our goal is that you never feel unsure about what is happening in your case or why a particular step is being taken.

Why Our Firm For Misdemeanors

When you search for a misdemeanor lawyer, you are not just looking for a name. You want to know who will stand beside you, how often you will hear from them, and whether they have handled cases like yours before. Our firm focuses on criminal defense work, and misdemeanors form an important part of our practice in this area.

We also bring the perspective of former prosecutors. Having previously handled cases from the government side, we understand how prosecuting attorneys review police reports, decide what to file, and consider plea offers. We use that insight when we analyze a new misdemeanor case and when we talk with clients about realistic options and possible strategies.

Equally important, we focus on personal attention. When you work with our firm, you work directly with our attorneys. We strive to return calls, explain each court setting in advance, and make sure you understand what is happening at every step. For someone facing a misdemeanor for the first time, that communication often makes the process feel less overwhelming.

Call (314) 334-3807 to speak with our team about your misdemeanor case.