St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys
At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP, extensive legal knowledge, thorough preparation and skillful handling of cases is what sets our criminal defense team apart. Our skill and experience is complemented by our reputation. In many cases, our success rate in hundreds of jury trials makes it possible for us to negotiate effectively in the best interest of our clients without the risk of trial.
Defend your rights and your freedoms. When you are accused of a serious crime, call our attorneys at (314) 354-8484 to begin discussing your options.
Our Approach To Criminal Defense
No matter what charges you or your loved one is facing, you deserve the highest quality criminal defense. You need an attorney in St. Louis with the knowledge, experience and dedication to guide you as smoothly as possible through the criminal justice process with your best interest always as the top priority.
Our job is to protect your rights and use every avenue to strengthen your legal defense. Our criminal defense team is composed of seasoned, tough negotiators, proven trial lawyers and dedicated advocates. We take pride in providing personalized attention to our clients and being available to them when they need us.
Types Of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP, we draw upon our 100-plus years of experience in high-profile, high-stakes criminal defense cases to achieve a victory at trial for our clients. By accessing a vast network of highly-skilled investigators and specialists, we can build an effective defense that will result in either a reduction or full dismissal of charges.
We have brought our aggressive, trial-tested advocacy to a wide range of cases, including DUI/DWI, assault, drug, sex and white collar crimes. No matter the seriousness of your charges, we can put up a staunch defense on your behalf.
Successful History of Superior Criminal Defense
Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois. Our lawyers have been awarded membership in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers Association and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We have been listed as Super Lawyers by our peers and awarded an AV Preeminent peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Our criminal defense team has represented political figures and high-profile individuals and firms. Our cases have been covered by CNN, 60 Minutes and other national news agencies, and we are frequently asked to speak with local and national media.
Facing Serious Criminal Charges In St. Louis?
When your future is on the line every moment matters when it comes to your defense. Don’t chance it, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Saint Louis by calling (314) 354-8484. Let’s fight for your future together.
Criminal Defense FAQ
What are my Miranda Rights?
The “Miranda warning” is a short speech that law enforcement officers are required to say to you when placing you under arrest. An officer must inform you that you have the right to remain silent to avoid incriminating yourself. The warning also states that if you do choose to speak, anything you say could later be used against you in court. You must also be warned that you have the right to an attorney, even if you cannot afford to hire one.
Because the Miranda warning is so often used in police procedural dramas on television, it sounds cliché, and many people don’t pay attention to the important message. In short, that message is: protect yourself by remaining silent and asking to speak to a defense attorney.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
In Missouri, Illinois and elsewhere, misdemeanors are generally considered lesser crimes while felonies are more serious in nature. Misdemeanors are broken into four different classes (A through D). Conviction for a Class A misdemeanor could result in a fine of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail.
Felonies are divided into five classes (A through E) and are punishable by at least a year in prison. Obviously, the most serious felonies could result in sentences of decades to life behind bars. Regardless of the criminal charge you are facing, you need to take it seriously and address it with the help of a skilled attorney.
Are police allowed to search my vehicle or property?
In most cases, police must have a search warrant to legally search your property or your vehicle. They may ask a question like “do you mind if I look in the trunk?” If they’re asking, they likely don’t have a warrant or probable cause, and you can absolutely refuse to consent to the search. They may search anyway, but by withholding your consent, you have grounds to challenge the search later in court. This is important because if a judge rules that the search was unreasonable and violated your rights, any evidence obtained during the search could not be used to convict you.
When should you contact a criminal defense attorney?
You should always aim to hire a criminal defense lawyer the moment you are arrested or detained by police, or if know you are under investigation by law enforcement. When you are arrested or detained, you should invoke your Fifth Amendment right by declining to answer any questions without an attorney present.
Even if you have not been arrested and do not believe an official investigation has started against you, it may be a good idea to reach out to an attorney for advice if you think you are at risk. By acting quickly, you have better chances of protecting your rights and building a strong defense against your case.
What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney?
When choosing your criminal defense lawyer, we believe the following qualities make all the difference:
Accessible – Your attorney should always make themselves available and easy to reach when you have questions on your case. But more than that, they should be approachable and easy to speak to. You should never be afraid to reach out and should be able to rest easy knowing you have an ally on your side.
Assertive – You need an attorney who is confident, decisive and thorough in their actions. The prosecution will not rest until you receive charges, and you deserve an attorney who will stand their ground in your defense.
Accomplished – Results speak for themselves. When your future is on the line, an attorney with a proven track record is invaluable. Look to a lawyer’s case results, awards and recognitions and be sure to choose an attorney who is qualified to defend your rights.
At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP, we built our practice on these core qualities. We are committed to legal excellence and stake our reputation on each and every case we take. When everything is on the line, we want you to rest assured that your case is in capable and caring hands.
How long do you have to appeal a conviction?
In Missouri, you have 10 days after your judgment is final to file your notice of appeal.
In Illinois, you have 30 days after your sentencing to file your appeal.
If you believe your case was mishandled or the wrong decision was made based on the facts, you can file an appeal in an attempt to get a new trial. To determine if this is a good path for you, and for more information on steps to take to appeal your conviction, it is best to reach out to an experienced criminal appeals lawyer.
Contact A Proven Criminal Defense Firm In St. Louis
Being arrested or charged with a crime is a frightening experience no one should have to face alone – and the arrest is just the beginning. Consequences of a criminal conviction could impact your life far into the future.
Our criminal defense lawyers at [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] in St. Louis have handled a wide range of cases in Missouri, Illinois and across the nation. Our satisfied clients range from individuals facing DUI charges to high-profile individuals and CEOs of corporations charged with white collar criminal charges.
Our reputation precedes us as veterans of more than 200 jury trials and more than 100 cases tried by a judge. Our firm brings weight and gravity into every negotiation with the opposite side. Contact us today to help in your case, call (314) 354-8484 to begin exploring your options.