Criminal Law Information Center

Clayton, Missouri: Criminal Law Attorney

Being arrested, even for a misdemeanor like a DUI or DWI drunk driving charge or a speeding offense, can be embarrassing. It can also have major consequences such as increased insurance rates, financial penalties and even jail time. For thorough, experienced help fighting speeding tickets or DUI charges, contact Gantz Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Gantz Law Firm defends clients in DUI and DWI drunk driving cases and other traffic offenses throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, including Clayton, Richmond Heights, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Shrewsbury, Eureka, St. Charles, O'Fallon, St. Peters, Des Peres, Town and Country, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Manchester, Hazelwood, Florissant, Ferguson, Creve Couer, Warrenton, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, Franklin County and Warren County.

Our criminal-justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The United States' incarceration rate is much higher than that of other industrialized countries. Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent. If you face the possibility of being accused of a crime, contact an experienced criminal-defense lawyer as early in the process as possible, preferably even before questioning or investigation. A skilled attorney can fight for your legal and constitutional rights. Remember that if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the government may have to provide one for you.

Criminal Liability

Historically in our criminal-justice system, two things must have been present for criminal liability to attach to an action. First, a person must have the intent to take the criminal action. Traditionally this culpable state of mind was called mens rea, Latin for guilty mind.

The second requirement for criminal liability is actus reus, Latin for guilty act. The prohibited physical event must take place in combination with the requisite criminal intention for the actual commission of a crime to take place.

In other words, it is not a crime to only think about committing a crime nor is it generally a crime to cause a criminal deed without the intention to do so.

Due Process

As the concept of criminal liability suggests, our criminal-justice system is complex, both conceptually and procedurally. To ensure the fairness of the proceedings, each court system has its own rules of criminal procedure that govern the actions of all players - police, defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges and juries.

The US Constitution requires that criminal defendants be accorded due process of law in all proceedings against them. Broadly this means that throughout the criminal process the rules of criminal procedure must be observed with all constitutional protections in place. Due process requires such things as reasonable notice of proceedings and fair hearings when facing substantial negative consequences, such as incarceration.

Plea Bargaining

Sometimes a criminal defendant and the prosecution can negotiate an agreement that resolves the criminal matter. Usually, the prosecutor agrees to reduce a charge, drop some of multiple charges or recommend a more lenient sentence in exchange for the defendant's guilty plea, often to a lesser offense or to fewer than all offenses charged. A seasoned criminal-defense attorney can be a real advantage to a criminal defendant throughout the plea-bargaining process.

Sentencing

Many negative outcomes flow from a criminal conviction. First, the court will impose a sentence, which commonly may include incarceration, fines, court costs, restitution, probation or, in some jurisdictions, death. Second, a criminal conviction may result in more indirect effects like stigma or estrangement from family, friends or professional colleagues. A person with a criminal record may have trouble with employment, insurance, credit or housing. He or she may lose or become ineligible for professional licenses, welfare benefits or firearms. Because of the potentially devastating consequences of a conviction, it is in the best interest of a defendant to have a strong, experienced attorney at his or her side to fight to preserve legal and constitutional rights every step of the way.

Conclusion

To better protect yourself throughout your involvement with the criminal-justice system, consult with an informed, knowledgeable criminal-defense attorney. Your lawyer can work hard on your behalf to see that protections afforded criminal defendants are preserved for you.

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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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Although some criminal defendants think that they can beat the system on their own, having an experienced criminal-defense attorney on your side gives you a better chance of preserving your legal rights.

If you want to reduce the chances that you will go to jail, a skilled and knowledgeable criminal-defense attorney is an important ally when you are accused of a crime.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, do not delay in seeking the help of an experienced criminal-defense lawyer to fight for your side of the story.

Don't miss out on spending precious years with your loved ones. To give yourself a better chance of avoiding or minimizing a prison sentence, contact an experienced criminal-defense attorney as soon as you are questioned about or accused of a crime.

The possible penalties for a first-time drunk driving offense in Missouri include a 30-day drivers license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes and possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. For help fighting a DUI charge, contact the Gantz Law Firm, located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense

Q: Is unsuccessfully attempting to commit a crime an offense?

A: It may be. It depends on the circumstances and on the law of the jurisdiction. A person who intends to commit a particular crime and takes a substantial step toward perpetrating it, but fails to actually complete it may be guilty of the separate crime of attempt. Generally an act that is extremely remote from the completed crime, such as early preparation, will not be significant enough to constitute criminal attempt.

Q: What is the role of the grand jury?

A: The US Constitution requires that the federal government convene a grand jury to decide whether accusing a person of a major crime is appropriate. In a practice originating in England, the grand jury reviews the evidence and may hear testimony in deciding whether to indict someone, but the grand jury makes no decision about guilt or innocence. Another traditional purpose of the grand jury is to serve as a buffer between an overzealous prosecutor and the accused. All states also use the grand jury system to some extent.