Missouri Attorney Urges Americans Facing Criminal Charges to Consider Future Rights

St. Peters, MO, (Law Firm Newswire) November 12, 2014 – Missouri criminal defense attorney Charlie James of the James Law Group is urging all those facing criminal charges — even minor ones — to fully understand the future consequences of a conviction before agreeing to a plea.

“Most people do not realize that our government allows the consequences of a conviction, even a misdemeanor conviction, to last for years and decades,” said James. “What starts out as simple probation or a fine can turn into a long road of frustration because of regulations and exclusionary laws.”

After conviction of a misdemeanor offense in Missouri, a person may be legally denied the ability to obtain a wide range of professional licenses, according to the American Bar Association. Restrictions apply to hundreds of professions including security guard, dentist, schoolteacher and barber.

In addition, some convictions carry permanent ineligibility for some educational assistance and scholarship programs.

In recent years, Missouri has taken steps to reduce some of the consequences of conviction. Earlier this summer, Governor Jay Neal signed a law reducing ineligibility for food stamps for those with felony drug convictions.

Nonetheless, as the American Bar Association website shows, hundreds of temporary and permanent restrictions are still placed on persons convicted of criminal offenses in Missouri.

James encouraged those facing a criminal charge of any kind to use the American Bar Association Collateral Consequences search tool or to contact a criminal defense attorney before agreeing to a guilty plea.

“Sometimes a plea is the best option,” said James. “But a knowledgeable attorney can help negotiate the terms of the plea, which can have a big effect on the opportunities someone can access 10 or 20 years down the road.”

Learn more at http://www.jameslawgroup.net/. James Law Group, LLC 14 Richmond Center Court St. Peters, MO 63376 Phone: 636.397.2411 Toll Free: 800.229.7112