Criminal Defense Lawyer in Columbia, MO
Facing criminal allegations requires that you have aggressive representation fighting for you. Even before you are formally charged with a crime, law enforcement will be hard at work conducting an investigation into your matter. The police will pursue every avenue to gather enough information to establish probable cause, working hand in hand with the prosecution. Given the State’s access to resources, don’t you deserve the same level of support in your corner?
At Landon Miller Law, we are dedicated to mitigating or negating criminal liability for the accused. Given the complexities of the law, no one should attempt to navigate the system alone. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, our Columbia criminal defense attorney will put his knowledge, experience, and skills to work for you.
Types of Crimes Our Firm Handles
Our Columbia criminal defense attorney at Landon Miller Law has experience defending clients charged with the following crimes:
- DWI
- Minor in Possession
- Drug possession
- Drug sales or distribution
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking
- Weapons charges
- Gun charges
- Domestic assault and other acts of domestic violence
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction in Columbia, MO
A criminal conviction takes away a lot more than your freedom, forever tarnishing your reputation and that of your loved ones. For those who work in professions that require licensure, there is a risk of having your license suspended, revoked, or denied following a conviction.
Under the Fresh Start Act of 2020, it is at the discretion of a licensing board whether your professional license will be denied. Under the Act, the licensing authority may take into account the severity and nature of the offense, the crime’s relation to your occupation, and how long has passed since the commission of the crime in making their decision.
Even after your time is served, a conviction can impede your ability to find a well-paying job. That is because arrests, criminal charges, and convictions will show up on a background check, which is well within the rights of an employer to run. Under the State’s “ban the box” law, an employer cannot ask a job candidate about their criminal history on an initial application, but only after they are seriously considering them for the position. While Missouri’s “ban the box” law protects candidates applying for government jobs from discrimination, the same restrictions do not apply to private employers.
Individuals who have served time will also have trouble finding a place to live. Landlords are wary about renting to former convicts. Even though federal law prohibits landlords from denying a person tenancy based solely on their criminal history, it happens frequently. Sadly, these repercussions are a main contributor to the rates of recidivism in the United States, with nearly half of individuals being sent back to jail within three years of their release.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
A criminal case begins from the moment that the police pursue a criminal investigation. A criminal defense lawyer knows that police officers are willing to bend the rules to obtain evidence, even going so far as to violate your Fourth Amendment rights. When you hire Landon Miller Law, you can expect tenacious advocacy.
Our defense lawyer will conduct his own investigation into your case, scrutinizing law enforcement’s actions to see if any injustices have been committed. Our main objective is to help you avoid a criminal conviction at all costs, which can only be done by leaving no stone unturned.
Speak with a Columbia Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Our legal system imposes strict penalties on guilty persons, stripping them of their freedom and good name. If you or a loved one has ended up on the wrong side of the law, our Columbia criminal defense attorney is prepared to assist you. With our lead attorney having vast trial experience, you place yourself at a clear advantage by hiring the services of Landon Miller Law. If you are interested in arranging a consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (573) 658-1919.