What To Do If You Are Facing Municipal Charges

Although municipal courts generally handle relatively minor crimes (misdemeanors and ordinance violations) the consequences of representing yourself can be just a perilous as if you were in state court. Whether you are facing traffic offenses or more serious charges of stealing, driving while intoxicated or drug possession, you should talk with an attorney before trying to resolve a municipal criminal or traffic case on your own. This is because a guilty plea or finding of guilt can have permanent ramifications to your criminal record and could affect your ability to drive.

Criminal defense attorney Justin Summary has handled municipal court cases all over the greater St. Louis area including these municipal courts. Mr. Summary has experience conducting criminal trials in municipal courts and has had success in getting charges amended or dismissed entirely. Charges such as driving while revoked or suspended, driving without insurance, speeding or other moving violations which could put points on your license and result in increased insurance rates, can often be amended to non-moving (non-point) violations that will keep you on the road and driving legally.

Other charges such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia or stealing/shoplifting can carry jail time and/or leave a permanent blemish on your criminal record for all your future employers to see.

If you are charged with an ordinance violation, misdemeanor or other crime in a municipal court contact criminal defense lawyer Justin Summary today for a free case evaluation. Call him at 314-673-1475.