St. Charles Felony Defense Attorney

Charged with a Felony Offense in St. Charles, MO?

When facing felony charges in Missouri, your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. Felony convictions carry severe penalties — including long prison sentences, steep fines, and lasting damage to your criminal record. That’s why you need a skilled felony defense lawyer from The Hammer Law Firm, LLC who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Our firm represents clients throughout St. Charles County and across Missouri in a wide range of felony matters, from violent crimes to white collar offenses. With experience in both negotiation and trial litigation, we know how to challenge the prosecution’s case and guide you through every step of the criminal process.

Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC at (314) 334-3807 to schedule a free consultation.

What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Missouri?

In Missouri, crimes are divided into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The primary distinction between the two lies in the severity of the offense and the potential punishment.

Misdemeanors are considered less serious crimes. They typically carry a maximum jail sentence of up to one year in a county jail and lower fines. Common examples include petty theft, minor assault, or first-time DUI.

Felonies, on the other hand, are the most serious category of crime under Missouri law. They often involve violence, large financial loss, or repeat offenses. A felony conviction can result in a year or more in state prison, substantial fines, and the long-term loss of civil rights such as the ability to vote or possess firearms.

Missouri classifies felonies into five main classes — Class A through Class E — with Class A being the most severe. Certain crimes are also labeled as “unclassified felonies” that have their own penalty structures depending on the nature of the offense.

The classification of your charge directly affects your potential punishment, making it essential to have a knowledgeable felony defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO, who can assess your case and advocate for a reduction or dismissal of charges whenever possible.

Common Types of Felony Offenses

Felony crimes encompass a broad range of serious offenses. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience handling nearly every type of felony case in Missouri courts, including:

• Violent Crimes: These include offenses such as murder, manslaughter, assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Violent crimes carry the harshest penalties, often including decades in prison or even life sentences.
• Drug Crimes: Drug-related felonies can involve possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing controlled substances, or trafficking. The penalties depend on the type and quantity of the drug, as well as any prior convictions.
• Theft and Property Crimes: Felony theft, burglary, and arson cases involve the unlawful taking or destruction of another’s property. When the value of stolen or damaged property exceeds a certain threshold, the offense is elevated to a felony.
• White Collar Crimes: White collar offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft can lead to significant prison time and restitution orders, even for first-time offenders. These cases often require detailed financial and forensic analysis.
• Sex Crimes: Charges such as rape, sexual assault, child pornography, or statutory rape carry not only long prison terms but also mandatory sex offender registration, which can impact your life permanently.
• Weapons Offenses: Felony weapons charges often involve the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or using a weapon during the commission of another crime.
• DWI and Vehicular Crimes: While first-time DWIs are typically misdemeanors, repeat offenders or cases involving injury or death can quickly escalate into felony charges with severe consequences.

No matter the charge, our St. Charles felony defense lawyers provide a personalized and strategic defense designed to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and reduce the potential penalties you face.

Felony Penalties in Missouri

Felony convictions in Missouri carry varying penalties depending on the class of the offense:

• Class A Felony: 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment (e.g., first-degree murder, kidnapping)
• Class B Felony: 5 to 15 years in prison (e.g., voluntary manslaughter, certain drug trafficking offenses)
• Class C Felony: 3 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines (e.g., robbery in the second degree, assault)
• Class D Felony: Up to 7 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 (e.g., possession of a firearm by a felon)
• Class E Felony: Up to 4 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000 (e.g., low-level property crimes, repeat DUI)

Beyond incarceration and fines, a felony conviction can also lead to:

• Loss of professional licenses
• Difficulty obtaining employment or housing
• Ineligibility for certain government benefits
• Permanent criminal record
• Loss of voting and firearm rights

These lasting consequences make it critical to have our felony defense attorney in St. Charles, MO, who can protect your future.

How The Hammer Law Firm, LLC Can Help

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we understand how overwhelming a felony charge can be. Our team provides a comprehensive defense strategy that includes:

• Thorough investigation of your case to uncover procedural errors or rights violations
• Aggressive negotiation with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure plea agreements when appropriate
• Strong courtroom representation if your case proceeds to trial
• Guidance and support throughout the legal process to ensure you understand every step

Our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and, whenever possible, seek case dismissal or acquittal.

Felony FAQs

Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Missouri?

Yes. In some cases, your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor or present mitigating evidence that leads to a reduction in charges. This process is known as charge reduction or plea bargaining.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Missouri?

Felonies generally remain on your record permanently unless they are expunged. However, some non-violent felonies may be eligible for expungement after a certain number of years.

Will I go to prison if convicted of a felony?

Not always. Depending on your case, the court may consider probation, community service, or alternative sentencing options—especially for first-time offenders.

Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?

No. You should always speak with a qualified St. Charles felony defense lawyer before making any statements to law enforcement. Anything you say can be used against you in court.

Contact a St. Charles Felony Defense Lawyer Today

A felony charge is one of the most serious legal challenges you can face, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we provide the aggressive and strategic representation you need to protect your rights and future.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony in St. Charles, MO, call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.