Attorney Paul O’Rourke’s Guide when arrested.

1.

Say “I wish to speak to my Attorney Paul O’Rourke at 636-323-5010. Until then, I will make no verbal or written statements.”

2.

DO NOT explain over the phone at a county jail why the arrest happened. The calls ARE RECORDED.

3.

Do NOT talk to or write about anything until your criminal defense attorney is present.

4.

Know the name of the jail where you are held.

5.

Know the name of the criminal charge. Share NO details over the phone.

6.

Do you have additional outstanding warrants? (YES or NO and where only).

7.

Consider hiring a lawyer before posting bail. A lawyer can file a Bail Bond Reduction Motion or have the bail removed.

8.

Posting bail in Missouri automatically cancels your right to a public defender. You should not have to choose between getting out of jail or hiring a top criminal defense lawyer.

Missouri Legal Guide: Protect Your Rights

If you’re facing a criminal charge, which includes traffic violations, knowing your legal rights – and protecting them – is paramount. One of the most important steps you can take under these circumstances is to consult with an experienced Missouri criminal defense attorney early in the process.

Criminal Defense

Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer in your corner can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, which makes reaching out for professional legal counsel at the outset in your best interest. Because a criminal conviction can have lasting consequences, you shouldn’t delay finding the right criminal defense attorney for you.

Common Criminal Charges

Some of the most common criminal charges include:

The Legal Process

If you’re facing a criminal charge in Missouri, your case will follow its own unique path, but you should know the basic steps forward:

Finding the Right Attorney for You

The sooner you obtain legal counsel, the better protected your rights will be, but finding the right attorney for you can be challenging. Some tips to consider include:

You’re looking for an experienced, professional, and focused criminal defense lawyer whom you’re comfortable opening up to and who inspires your trust and confidence. Putting a bit of effort into finding the right attorney for you can greatly improve the outcome of your case.

Probation and Parole

If you are on either probation or parole, even a minor infraction can lead to incarceration, which makes working with a practiced criminal defense attorney in your best interest. Probation refers to a sentence that’s ordered by the court in lieu of a prison sentence. Parole, on the other hand, is granted by the parole board and represents an early release from prison.

Common Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions of both probation and parole are strict and tend to focus on matters like the following:

Tips for Success

Tips for successfully navigating probation and parole all the way through to completion include the following:

Traffic Violations

Traffic violations break down into moving violations and nonmoving violations, such as parking violations, expired plates, failure to register a vehicle, and the like. Moving violations are more serious and come with heftier fines as well as points against your license. Consider the following examples:

License Suspension and Revocation

If you receive 8 or more points in the space of 18 months, your license can be suspended for up to 90 days for a third suspension and up to 30 days for a first. If any of the following apply, your license can be revoked for a full year:

Your Legal Options

If you face a traffic violation charge, you have options. For example, you can simply pay the fine, which translates to pleading guilty and accepting the points on your license. Attending traffic school is also an option, and while it does allow you to bypass the accumulation of points, you’ll have to plead guilty, pay the associated fines, and pay for the required class.

A better option may be hiring an accomplished criminal defense attorney and fighting the charge head-on. This involves forging a strong defense that incorporates the available evidence and engaging in skilled legal strategizing.

Consult an Experienced Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney about Your Case

If you’re facing a criminal charge, Paul O’Rourke at The O’Rourke Law Firm in O’Fallon is a distinguished criminal defense attorney who has the experience, legal insight, and skill to help guide your case toward an advantageous outcome that upholds your rights and best interests. Learn more by contacting or calling us at 636-323-5010 today.

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