St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney
Everyone makes mistakes or chooses poorly in some situations. Most of the time, we can move on from our mistakes and go forward with our lives. But what if your mistake or poor choice results in an arrest? Will you be forced to pay the consequences of your lapse in judgment for the rest of your life? Or even worse, what if you were falsely accused or wrongly arrested for a crime that you did not commit?
Criminal Charges In St. Louis, Barnhart Areas
When you’ve been charged with a crime, regardless of what that crime may be, you need professional criminal defense representation. An aggressive, qualified Missouri criminal defense attorney can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case.
Experienced And Zealous Criminal Defense
I am committed to passionately and zealously defending the rights of my 
clients through each stage of the justice process, from the first consultation to the end of the trial. I will work closely with you and with expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf in your case. I will examine all the evidence available and will pursue every defense strategy applicable to your case. I will work hard for a complete and total victory and when that is not possible, I will do everything within my power to use my experience and negotiation skills in order to have the charges against you reduced.
Get Help With Your Criminal Charges In The St. Louis and Barnhart Areas Today
You don’t have to let being accused of a crime take your life down a road you weren’t planning on going. Call me today for a consultation. 314-681-9000
Providing Creative Solutions and Passionate Defense for the Accused in St. Louis Since 2013
Are you looking for a dependable criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO? Look no further, you’ve come to the right place. Hi, I’m Karie Pennington. Whether you are facing your first criminal charge or you’re a repeat offender, you can rely on me to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
As a native of St. Louis, I feel a deep sense of loyalty and connection to the community.
That’s why I decided to return here in 2013 to start my practice after passing the bar in Florida. Over the last seven years, my law firm, KP Defense has built an impressive track record of securing case dismissals, acquittals, and not guilty verdicts for countless clients throughout Eastern Missouri.
If you or someone you love is under investigation or has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in St. Louis or the surrounding areas, it’s critical that you contact me as soon as possible.
Act Now to Protect your Rights, Freedom, and Reputation
The clock is always ticking in a criminal case. I’m happy to offer a free, initial consultation to discuss your case. I’ll help you understand the charges and penalties you face and put forth a personalized and creative defense strategy tailored to your needs and circumstances. Call 314.681.9000 today to schedule an appointment.
My office is conveniently located in St. Louis but I serve clients throughout Eastern Missouri including in Saint Louis County, Saint Louis City, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, St. Francois County, and Franklin County.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
I defend against a broad range of misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in Circuit, Municipal, and Federal Courts throughout Eastern Missouri, including:
- Assault
- Domestic Assault
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Drug Charges
- Arson
- Sex Crimes
- Theft/Robbery
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- White Collar Crimes
- Traffic violations/Municipal Court Tickets
- Fine Collection Center tickets and Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) citations
I also provide representation for criminal matters related to:
- Bond Reductions
- Warrant Recall/Withdraw
- Probation Violations
- Interstate Probation and Parole/Missouri Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS)
Benefits of Hiring St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer Karie Pennington
Peace of mind: Being placed in handcuffs or a holding cell can leave you feeling humiliated, anxious, and scared – especially if you’ve never been in trouble with the law before. The criminal justice system can be intimidating and difficult to navigate without a competent criminal defense lawyer by your side. When you hire me, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have a competent legal professional in charge of your case.
Compassionate and Personalized Attention: As my client, you’ll never be just another case file number. You deserve my undivided time and attention and that’s exactly what you’ll get. I am available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. I’ll keep you well informed with status updates at every stage of the criminal process.
Protection from self-incrimination: During a criminal investigation or arrest, it can be tempting to want to tell your version of the story. However, it’s never wise to speak to law enforcement or prosecutors without first consulting a criminal defense lawyer. Fom the moment you hire me, I can swiftly intervene and accompany you during police questioning to make sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your case.
Knowledge of Local Courts: The legal procedures and rules governing the criminal courts in Missouri can be very overwhelming and complicated for the average person. I’ve practiced in the Missouri criminal courts for nearly a decade and I’m familiar with the police departments, prosecutors, judges, and probation officers in the area.
Pre-trial investigation resources: My firm has the resources needed to perform a thorough and complete investigation of your case. I will review the police report, interview relevant witnesses, and gather and examine the evidence. I’ll then leverage the findings to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and reveal inconsistencies and other discrepancies that give rise to reasonable doubt.
Savvy Negotiation Skills:. My skills as a negotiator have enabled me to negotiate deals with prosecutors that result in reduced or dismissed charges and more lenient sentencing such as entry into diversionary programs.
Solid Defense Strategies: Did you act in self-defense? Did law enforcement engage in an illegal search and seizure? Are the charges against you based on the claims of an unreliable witness? Do you have an alibi? Does the prosecution lack sufficient evidence to prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt? You can rely on me to pursue a defense strategy that will be most impactful in your case.
Tough Litigation Skills: I meticulously prepare every case for trial. When a favorable plea deal isn’t possible, I will be prepared to vigorously fight the charges against you in court. I’ll be involved in selecting the jury, raising objections to improper evidence and testimony, cross-examining prosecution’s witnesses, and presenting your defense in the most convincing manner possible.
Crimes in Missouri: Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies
Under Missouri Law, crimes are categorized as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are the least serious offenses that don’t lead to jail time or probation. Misdemeanors are less serious than a felony but can still warrant up to one year in county jail and other serious penalties. Felonies carry the heaviest punishments including one or more years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
St. Louis Traffic Ticket Defense
Were you recently pulled over and issued a traffic ticket or Fine Collection Center (FCC) ticket in one of the following counties — St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, St. Francois, or Franklin? You have three options when dealing with a traffic ticket:
- Pay the ticket — plead guilty to the alleged charge
- You will receive points on your driver’s license which will be reported to the Department of Revenue
- Your insurance rates will increase
- You could potentially lose your license if too many points have accumulated
- Do nothing
- You will be charged with failure to appear
- You will pay a $1,000 fine or spend up to one year in county jail
- Your driver’s license will be suspended
- Hire DP Defense
Common Traffic Violations
I have experience fighting traffic tickets from every municipality and police agency in Eastern Missouri, including violations for:
- Speeding/reckless driving
- Driving with no insurance
- Driving on a suspended/revoked license
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Making an illegal turn
- Running a red light
- Failing to yield
Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
Misdemeanors in Missouri are divided into four classes of severity, ranging from Class A to Class D. Each class has a different set of offenses and sentencing guidelines. Misdemeanors are handled by the Circuit Courts in Missouri.
Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties
Class (A) misdemeanor – This is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Missouri. If convicted, you could face up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. Class A misdemeanors include possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana, domestic assault in the third degree, and shoplifting items valued at less than $500.
Class (B) misdemeanor – A Class B misdemeanor carries up to six months in county jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Class B misdemeanors can include driving while intoxicated (DWI) and first-degree trespassing.
Class (C) misdemeanor – A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Class C misdemeanors include library theft (goods valued at less than $500) and third-degree sexual misconduct.
Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Louis
A felony charge cannot be taken lightly. Missouri has some of the harshest felony statutes in the country. If convicted, you could face anywhere from one year to life in prison. Felonies in Missouri range from Class A, the most serious crimes, to Class E felonies, the least serious felony classification.
Felony Classes and Penalties
Class (A) Felony –– A Class A felony carries a prison term between 10-30 years or life imprisonment. Class A felonies include murder, first-degree kidnapping, forcible rape of a child under 12-year-old, first-degree robbery, and some drug crimes such as possession of
More than 30 grams of heroin but less than 90 grams.
Class (B) Felony – For a Class B felony, the court can impose a sentence of 5-15 years in prison. Crimes like rape, voluntary manslaughter, first-degree assault, and first-degree domestic assault are considered class b felonies.
Class C Felony — A Class C felony is punishable by a prison sentence of 3-10 years and up to $10,000 in fines. Crimes that can be classified as Class C felonies include involuntary manslaughter, third-degree child molestation, identity theft, and chronic DWI.
Class D Felony — For a class D felony, the punishment could be one year in jail or up to 7 years in prison.
Class E Felony – A Class E felony carries up to one year in jail or up to four years in prison.
Repeat Offenders Face Enhanced Penalties
Prior, persistent, and dangerous offenders in Missouri face enhanced penalties.
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- A prior offender is someone who has one prior felony conviction.
- A persistent offender is someone who has been convicted of two felonies at different times.
- A dangerous offender is someone who has been found guilty of a Class A or Class B felony and is being sentenced for a felony in which he/she knowingly murdered or endangered or threatened the life of another person or knowingly inflicted or attempted or threatened to inflict serious physical injury on another person.
How Sentence Enhancement Works for Repeat Offenders in Missouri
If you are deemed to be a prior, persistent, or dangerous offender and are convicted of a new crime, the prosecutor may try to get the judge to impose a sentence for a crime that is one or two classes higher than the offense you are found guilty of. For example, if you are convicted of a Class C felony, you would be subject to the enhanced Class B range of punishment. This would be 5-15 years in prison instead of the Class C range of 3-10 years.
Prosecutors often seek enhanced sentences for predatory sexual offenders, prior and persistent domestic violence offenders, and drug offenders.
Facing criminal charges as a prior, persistent, or dangerous offender can have life-altering consequences. This can be frightening but it’s important to remember that the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed a crime. As your criminal defense attorney, I am ready to use my skills and experience to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight to help you avoid conviction or a harsh sentence.
Minimum Terms of Imprisonment
In addition to sentence length enhancements, Missouri imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for defendants who have served a prior “commitment” to the Missouri Department of Corrections or are presently charged with a “dangerous felony.”
If a minimum term applies to your case, you would not be eligible for parole until serving a certain percentage of your prison sentence.
- 1 Prior Commitment: must serve 40% of sentence
- 2 Prior Commitments: must serve 50% of sentence
- 3 Prior Commitments: must serve 80% of sentence
- Dangerous Felony: must serve 85% of sentence
Alternatives to Criminal Convictions and Jail Time in Missouri
As your criminal defense lawyer, I will always be searching for ways to shield you from the most severe penalties. The criminal courts in Missouri do offer sentencing alternatives and diversionary programs that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, especially for first-time non-violent offenders.
Examples of alternative sentences to jail may include:
- Fines and restitution,
- Electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet tracking device),
- Home confinement,
- Probation,
- Community supervision
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be eligible to take part in a diversionary or treatment program such as:
- DWI Treatment Court
- Juvenile Treatment Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Drug Treatment Court
- Family Treatment Court
- Diversion Programs
- Redirect Programs
- Deferred Prosecution
Missouri Circuit Courts
Criminal cases in Missouri are heard in the Missouri Circuit Courts or trial courts. There are 46 separate judicial circuit courts in the state — each circuit covering at least one county and the city of St. Louis. Each county has its own Prosecuting Attorney’s Office which is responsible for prosecuting all violations of state criminal laws that occur within their jurisdiction.
- St. Charles County – 11th Judicial Circuit
- Franklin County — 20th Judicial Circuit
- St. Louis County — 21st Judicial Circuit
- City of St. Louis — 22nd Judicial Circuit
- Jefferson County — 23rd Judicial Circuit
Each circuit court is divided into three divisions:
- Municipal Division – has jurisdiction over tickets/summons for municipal ordinance violations
- Associate Division — has general jurisdiction over traffic tickets, and criminal misdemeanors and felonies.
- Circuit Division — has general jurisdiction over criminal felony cases transferred from Associate Court; Juvenile cases; domestic cases when assigned; and oversees Probate Court.
Federal Courts
Federal crimes are heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. This is a trial-level federal district court based in St. Louis, MO with jurisdiction over 50 counties in the eastern section of Missouri
St. Louis Criminal Court Process
The criminal court process in Missouri involves a number of steps and procedures.
A general overview of what you or a loved one might expect
Arrest and Booking
If you were arrested in St. Louis, it was most likely by one of the following law enforcement agencies: the Metropolitan Police, the Sheriff’s Department, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. During the arrest, the police officer will handcuff you and advise you of your rights including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
You will be taken to the St. Louis County Jail in nearby Clayton and placed in the custody of local jail officials or correctional officers. There, you will be “booked.” The booking process involves being stripped searched, fingerprinted and photographed. You will likely be placed in a holding cell and allowed to make one phone call to begin the jail release process.
During this time, it may be tempting to want to deny any involvement in the alleged crime but the smartest thing you can do is to exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.
Arraignment
Within 48 hours of your arrest, you will have your initial appearance in court known as an arraignment. At the arraignment, a judge formally reads the charges against you and asks you to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge will also decide whether to set bail or release you on your own personal recognizance. Being released on your own recognizance means you can leave jail without posting bond in exchange for promising to return for future court dates. Recognizance is often granted in cases where the crime is relatively minor and you are not considered a flight risk or danger to the community.
Release and Bail
If bail is set and you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor crime, the courts have pre-determined bail schedules that list bail amounts for specific misdemeanor crimes. For more serious felony crimes, a bond hearing is usually scheduled.
Types of Bonds
I understand how scary and stressful it can be to sit in a jail cell. My priority is to secure your release as soon as possible. Depending on , several types of bond options that may be available to you:
A cash bond requires paying the entire bond amount but allows a co-signer to help with the payment.
A surety bond involves the hiring of a bail bondsman. This is a viable option if you cannot afford to pay bail with cash. A bondsman will post the entire bond amount with the court but will charge you a non-refundable fee of 10%.
A 10 percent cash bond allows you to pay 10 percent of the bail amount in cash to the clerk of the court. You will likely get this money back after the case is over if you attend all scheduled court dates.
If you are unable to post bond, I can try to negotiate with the prosecutor or file a motion for bond reduction to lower the bail.
Pre-Trial Hearings
Once the arraignment is over, the case enters the pre-trial phase. During this time, Karie and the Circuit Attorney may trade discovery, file motions, and attempt to negotiate a resolution to the case without having to go to trial. This may include plea bargaining which may result in a plea deal that requires you to plead guilty but to a lesser charge with a reduced sentence.
Trial
When a resolution to your case cannot be reached in pre-trial, I will take your case to court and present a vigrours defense to a jury of your peers.
Begin Building Your Defense Today
If you or a loved one is the target of a criminal investigation or has been arrested and/or formally charged with a crime in St. Louis, it’s critical to get a skilled criminal defense lawyer in your corner as soon as possible. For nearly a decade, I’ve fought to protect the rights of the accused throughout Eastern Missouri. I’m prepared to do whatever is necessary to help you avoid jail, clear your name, and get your life back on track. Call me 314.681.9000 to schedule a free consultation.
