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  • Sex Crimes FAQ

    • What is a Sex Crime?

      Chapter 566 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri outlines criminal sexual offenses, their classifications, and their penalties. Any offense that appears in this chapter is considered a sex crime in the state of Missouri. Rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse are included in this chapter, as well as sexual misconduct involving children and students.

      Being accused of a sex crime is a serious event. While your reputation may be immediately at stake, we’d like to remind you that you are innocent until proven guilty. We also understand how upsetting these allegations may be and encourage you to recruit a lawyer before discussing your situation with law enforcement or anyone who may influence your case.

    • Will I Go to Jail?

      Depending on the severity of your charges and whether or not you are convicted, you may face time behind bars. In some cases, you may be able to attend a treatment program instead of going to jail, or you may be able to reduce your sentence with a plea deal. While finding your best outcome may be more complex than a “not guilty” verdict in some cases, our sex crime attorneys are experienced in legal strategizing and can help you preserve your future in a variety of ways.

    • Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

      If the sex crime you are accused of involves children, any kind of conviction will likely require you to appear on both national and statewide sex offender registries. Being associated with a sex crime like indecent exposure, however, may not require registration.

      At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we believe sex offender registries should be limited to dangerous criminals, and we understand how this kind of registration can negatively impact your life. When our St. Louis sex crimes attorneys represent you, our priority is always to protect your rights and your future, which means we will keep you off these registries whenever possible.

    • How Will you Defend Me?

      We will build your defense according to your unique situation, but some common defenses include:

      • Proving the accusation against you is false
      • Showing that no sexual contact occurred
      • Questioning consent
      • Pointing out insufficient evidence
  • Drug Crime FAQ

    • What are drug schedules?
      In Missouri Revised Statutes Title XII Public Health and Welfare, the state categorizes controlled substances into 5 “schedules,” which classify drugs based on how dangerous they are. Substances in Schedule I and II are considered the most dangerous and have a high potential for abuse. Many forms of meth and opioids, for instance, are included in these schedules. Conversely, Schedule IV and V include low-dose narcotics and substances that are currently accepted for medical use in the United States, such as prescription drugs and marijuana.
    • Is medical marijuana legal in Missouri?

      The state of Missouri has not legalized marijuana for either recreational or medicinal use. Growing, possessing, and/or using marijuana is a crime. Having drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe or bong, is also illegal. Many crimes involving marijuana are misdemeanors, but growing, distributing, or delivering weed can be a felony. The possession of other drugs typically results in a felony, as well.

    • What are some common defenses to drug crimes?

      When you are charged with any crime, law enforcement officers and prosecutors must follow a strict set of rules. If at any point during your arrest or prosecution, these rules are violated, you can have evidence thrown out or charges dismissed. For example, the Constitution forbids illegal search and seizure, so if your home or automobile was searched without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence discovered during this search can be suppressed in court. Similarly, evidence is often corrupted in drug cases, so a good defense attorney will have your case dismissed the moment the prosecution’s case is compromised.

      Other strategies for defense include showing that the drugs were not yours, or that you did not know they were in your home or apartment. This is sometimes called “unwitting possession.” If you were entrapped or the drugs were planted, your attorney should also explore police abuse of power.

    • Can an attorney help me avoid jail time?

      The answer to this question depends on what kind of charge you are facing and whether or not you have a criminal history. In some cases, you may be able to pursue drug rehabilitation instead of jail time. In others, having the right attorney can help you broker a deal and avoid incarceration altogether. Even in the most hopeless situations, you may be able to significantly reduce your time behind bars.

      At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we recognize that each case is different, and we have over 30 years of experience finding the best outcomes for our clients. Above all, our goal is to help you through this difficult time in your life and utilize the justice system to preserve your future.

  • Home

    • What should I do after an arrest?

      Although we are fully aware that chaos, fear, and uncertainty loom heavy in the aftermath of an arrest, we encourage anyone who may be currently facing criminal allegations, as well as their families, to remain calm. While this is no easy feat, it can certainly be made easier by working with experienced, compassionate, and highly attentive St. Louis criminal defense attorneys who are prepared to immediately set you at ease by reviewing your case and determining the ways in which your charges can be fought.

      Aside from seeking proven legal representation, our firm recommends that you exercise your rights, specifically your right to remain silent. You do not have to speak with law enforcement officers and you are never required to answer questions without a lawyer present. Remaining silent can ensure that you do not say anything that can later be used to incriminate you. Additionally, collecting all relevant legal documentation, taking notes of important dates and deadlines, and securing the information on any witnesses who may be of benefit to your future defense are wise decisions that can aid you, and your attorney, as your legal process progresses. This being said, consulting a knowledgeable and qualified lawyer should still be your first priority.

    • Is there any possibility that I won't have to go to jail?

      Yes, there is always the possibility that imprisonment can be avoided, especially when you work with proven attorneys. Regardless of the charges you face, and no matter how hopeless you may feel, there are numerous avenues of opportunity that can be pursued to have your charges dismissed, dropped, or reduced.

    • What are my options?

      Your available defense options will always depend on the unique circumstances involved in your case, particularly the following:

      • The nature and type of charge
      • Your prior criminal history
      • The arresting protocol of law enforcement officers

      By carefully listening to what you have to say and by meticulously reviewing all elements involved in your case, our legal team can assist you in determining all of your available options and defense strategies. While these options may vary from case to case, our attorneys have secured numerous favorable resolutions for our clients by way of dismissals, plea bargains that reduce charges and sentences, and alternative sentencing or diversion options. Again, we want to reiterate that these are simply general options and that the specific facts inherent to your case will provide a more precise set of options and plans.

    • What are alternative options?
      When it comes to the criminal justice system, our society has shown that it focuses more on rehabilitation than unfair punishment alone. This trend means that, for certain individuals - in particular, first-time offenders and those accused of certain types of crimes - alternative sentencing or diversion options can be pursued. These options provide ways of avoiding harsh penalties, including terms of imprisonment. In drug crime cases, for example, some defendants may be eligible for drug court, which will allow them to obtain substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. When applicable, our lawyers help you determine if these alternative options apply to your case and whether they can be pursued.
    • Will my case go to trial?
      Whether or not your case will extend into the trial phase will concern the particular circumstances involved, the reasons for pursuing a trial, and the viability of your defense. The trajectory and resolution of a case will always be unique. While some people's best options rest on the fate of a trial, others may find plea bargains and compromises that reduce charges or penalties to be more appealing. It is true, however, that your right to a trial can be a powerful tool in the hands of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Should you choose to work with our firm, you can be sure that our attorneys will heavily weigh your options and guide you toward the best choice. As we have a solid reputation for our grit and integrity throughout the local and state court systems, we find that we have ample leverage we can exercise during negotiations. Additionally, our legal team has handled hundreds of criminal trials and has no aversion to fighting aggressively on your behalf, should that be your most favorable option.
    • Can a lawyer really make a difference?
      The simple answer? Most definitely. Having an experienced lawyer who focuses on criminal defense by your side can ensure that you do not commit any errors or mistakes that can compromise your case and that you are guided safely through your legal process. Our attorneys focus intently on making your legal experience one not marked by fear or uncertainty, but rather by hope, confidence, and the reassurance that comes with knowing precisely what is going on at every step. Beyond helping you navigate your legal journey, a lawyer can fight for the best resolution possible in your case. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we draw from decades of criminal law experience and careers as former prosecutors to provide our clients with effective defense strategies. In every case, our goals revolve around protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. As we have the skills to do so, and the record of success to prove that we have done so in the past, you can be confident that our St. Louis criminal defense lawyer can certainly make a difference in your case.