Misdemeanor Cases in Missouri and Illinois

Misdemeanor offenses are criminal offenses that are considered to be less serious than felony offenses.

Typically, these offenses can be resolved without the necessity of trial and are usually resolved by plea agreement with restitution, education, probation, fines and court costs.

Because even misdemeanor offenses can involve the possibility of a jail sentence (this is rare), Municipal Court judges almost always require defendants to be represented by counsel.

It is wise for a defendant to choose an attorney who is experienced, has a working knowledge of the local court customs, and is familiar with the policies of the Prosecutor and Judge.

TLC attorneys regularly handle cases in Municipal and State Courts. Typically, these offenses can be resolved without the necessity of trial and are usually resolved by plea agreement with restitution, education, probation, fines and court costs.

Some types of misdemeanors include:

• Traffic offenses

• Theft

• Trespassing

• Assault

• Shoplifting

• Petty Larceny

• Drug Possession

• Drug Paraphernalia

Theft

TLC attorneys handle:

• Shoplifting

• Petty larceny

• Bad check charges

• Credit card fraud

These types of cases can usually be resolved via a plea bargain that will involve probation and restitution as a condition of probation. Once the probationary period is completed and restitution made, the defendant's criminal record will be clear of a conviction.  

Assault/ Peace Disturbance

Assault and Peace Disturbance charges typically arise when there are disagreements between and among people who are acquainted with one another and a citation is made by the police.

It's always important for a defense attorney to review the police report and witness statements, because there are always two sides to every story. If the facts support the client's version of events, it is possible to obtain a dismissal or acquittal at trial. If the facts do not favor the defendant, and if it appears that there will be no risk to victims and no likelihood of a re-occurrence of violent behavior, the Court may resolve the case by placing the defendant on probation and by requiring some sort of counseling or anger management program.