Criminal Law - St. Louis, MO

When it comes to protecting your freedom, record, and rights there is no substitute for an experienced attorney(s) in your corner going to bat for you. Rudman & Smith is that firm that will go the distance for you and your interests. Few firms can boast of the breadth of experience that Rudman & Smith has in its over 60 combined years of criminal law experience.

We have handled thousands of charges like the one you are being charged with, and know how to get the best result. Our legal team is comprised of a former: State Prosecuting Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Associate County Counselor, Public Defender, City Attorney, Guardian Ad Litems, and Municipal Prosecutors. Each attorney prides himself on being a true trial attorney arguing vigorously for the rights of our clients. Our past and present successes in the courtroom, whether it be on a high profile case or minor traffic offense, have gained us the respect of our peers, as well as their referrals.

Our preparation and investigation examining the weaknesses in the State’s case against you prior to entering the courtroom is second to none. These factors and more make a difference in your particular case even before stepping into the courtroom. Whether your case ends in a dismissal, plea bargain or trial, we feel comfortable you will be more than satisfied with the representation we provide as we strategically guide you through a very difficult, emotional and stressful time in your and your loved ones’ lives Rudman & Smith is proud to offer flexible payment plans, accepts credit cards and works hard to deliver you the best customer service available.

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Assault First, Assault Second, Domestic Violence & Assault Third

Assault First, Assault Second, Domestic Violence and/or Assault Third can arise from people who are related or well known to each other, or between virtual strangers. From our experience these cases are not black and white cases but shades of gray. These types of cases usually describe situations that get out of hand very fast and usually begin with some type of miscommunication wherein the alleged victim is truly not a victim but feels pressured to pressing charges.

Some cases have dealt with mistaken identity because of how the incident occurred, and we have successfully proven that our client was not the aggressor. Other cases are fought and won based upon self defense, which is a defense based upon proving or jumping through various hoops in order to be utilized. We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Rudman & Smith and will zealously represent your interests.

Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction or jail time and, in some cases, have the charges dismissed outright. Our legal team is comprised of a former: State Prosecuting Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Associate County Counselor, Public Defender, City Attorney, Guardian Ad Litems, and Municipal Prosecutors.

Driving While Intoxicated, Driving Under the Influence, Drunk Driving & Felony DWI

A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can have devastating affects on one’s freedom, pocket book and driving privileges whether you are a licensed driver or carry a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL). One can face a felony DWI charge, which can result from two prior DUI convictions or two prior alcohol-related offenses.

This is a developing area of law that places seemingly stricter penalties on defendants every year. This is an area of law where you need to hire an experienced attorney to get you successfully through the minefield of possible penalties.

We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Rudman & Smith on both sides of the table, and can assists in strategically guiding you through this complex area of law by reviewing the evidence lodged against you, analyzing breathalyzer reports and machine maintenance records in attempts to reducing your charges or having them in some cases dismissed outright.

Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction or jail time, and minimize your risks. Our legal team is comprised of a former: State Prosecuting Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Associate County Counselor, Public Defender, City Attorney, Guardian Ad Litems, and Municipal Prosecutors.

Drug Possession, Distribution & Drug Trafficking

Possession of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia are just a few charges one can face as a defendant. Each case typically begins with a search and seizure.

This is an area of law that requires an experienced attorney to protect your rights as provided by the Constitution and State Law. The Statute of Limitations varies depending on the drug crime charged.

Typically, one is arrested for a drug charge and then released pending a warrant/capias or summons that comes down the road after the crime lab determines what type of controlled substance they are actually dealing with. The type of controlled substance/drug and the weight of the controlled substance/drug can play a major impact to the penalties one is facing.

We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Rudman & Smith. Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction or jail time. Our legal team is comprised of a former: State Prosecuting Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Associate County Counselor, Public Defender, City Attorney, Guardian Ad Litems, and Municipal Prosecutors.

We handle federal drug charges, conspiracy, distribution, manufacturing, possession, trafficking and prescription cases.

Federal Crimes

When facing a federal crime, the cards are typically stacked against you. Federal prosecutors have what appear to be unlimited resources, time, and flexibility in bringing charges against you. Rudman & Smith utilizes the team approach by pooling our shared experience and abilities to change the leverage on your behalf.

We understand the seriousness of what you are facing and know how to deal with the other side to minimize your risks inherent in this system. An attorney needs to be familiar with the federal sentencing guidelines and to be known to be a strong trial attorney to have a favorable outcome. At Rudman & Smith we are those attorneys.

Our legal team is comprised of a former: State Prosecuting Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Associate County Counselor, Public Defender, City Attorney, Guardian Ad Litems, and Municipal Prosecutors.

We handle felony DWI, drug cases/trafficking, child pornography charges, internet crimes, white collar crimes, embezzlement, racketeering and RICO charges, sex crimes and weapons charges

Gun Charges

Illegal possession of a firearm, felon in possession, or unlawful use of a weapon are the most common of the gun charges. This is an ever-developing field due to the tragic events occurring throughout the country and publicized by the media outlets.

As a result the prosecution of these offenses has become extremely harsh. We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Rudman & Smith. Let our experience and know-how work for you. Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction or jail time.

Murder, Homicide & Violent Crimes

Murder/Homicide/Violent Crime charges are among the worst a person can face. The risks to one’s long-term freedom are threatened and in some cases capital punishment is a real possibility. Having an effective trial attorney(s) with experience is invaluable in defending these types of cases.

Rudman & Smith uses the team approach in defending these cases, utilizing all of our resources to assist you in mounting your defense. Rudman & Smith will thoroughly investigate your case, analyze the evidence brought against you, and zealously fight for you in every stage of this overwhelming process.

We handle cases involving use of a weapon in commission of drug crime, violent crime, theft or other crime, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a illegal firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, unlawful use of a weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, armed criminal action, possession of an unregistered weapon and sex crimes (rape, sodomy, statutory rape, distribution or possession of child pornography, internet sex crimes, child sex abuse, child molestation).

Probation Violations & Early Termination of Probations

When a defendant is placed upon probation, whether supervised, unsupervised and/or bench probation, that defendant is required to follow certain rules. If a defendant violates the probation they can then be sentenced to further penalties, including but not limited to: a jail sentence, a conviction, a fine, a program, or community service hours, to name a few consequences.

Rudman & Smith have handled thousands of these types of probation violation cases and we can help you. Our goal is that you do not receive an enhanced penalty, a conviction, jail time or any further condition of probation. Further, Rudman & Smith has been retained to try to obtain an early termination of probation for our clients and have been successful at this endeavor most times over the years.

Being on probation in most circumstances costs money, makes it difficult to change jobs or enter into the military, creates an unnecessary risk of getting into more problems, and in general can just be a burden for you and your family. We understand this and will fight hard to get you off on an early termination of probation.

Sex Cases

Sex cases, including but not limited to rape, sodomy, statutory rape, distribution or possession of child pornography, internet sex crimes, child sex abuse, child molestation, sexual misconduct carry stiff penalties under the law. Some cases require statutory mandatory minimum terms.

These allegations can permanently affect you and your loved ones in all aspects of your live(s). In most cases penalties include life- long post conviction registration under the Sexual Registration Act. This is an ever-changing field due to severe scrutiny by the Media and the developing field of internet activity.

If you or your loved one is charged with one of these type of offenses, you need an experienced attorney in this field to protect your interests. Rudman & Smith have built a reputation as lawyers who thoroughly investigate each and every allegation, scrutinize the discovery provided, and skillfully and vigorously provide the toughest defense to secure you or your loved one the best result.

Handling these types of cases is likened to a surgeon performing surgery. For instance, It takes a skilled attorney to even know what to be looking for in an interview conducted of an alleged victim/complaining witness. If a forensic versus a therapeutic interview is not conducted the interview itself is likely contaminated and can send ripple effects, resulting in a faulty investigation and faulty outcome. At the same time, we work with you and/or your family in a confidential and caring manner in attempts to minimize your stress during this unsettling time.

Robbery, Burglary, Forgery, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card Device, Theft Crimes/Stealing, Petty Larceny, Shoplifting & Stealing 3rd Offense

These cases vary in penalties according to the crime charged. Some even carry statutory minimums. All cases, however, deal with one’s credibility and character and can have detrimental effects on one’s life including, but not limited to, future or current employment opportunities.

The threat of a conviction or jail time is real. An experienced attorney who has successfully handled these particular types of cases is needed. Rudman & Smith are such attorneys. We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Rudman & Smith on both sides of the table. Let our experience work for you. Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction, jail time or high fines.

Traffic Offenses

We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Rudman & Smith on both sides of the table. Let our experience work for you. Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction, jail time, high fines or points on your driving record.

We handle all traffic matters, including but not limited to: driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, excessive blood alcohol content (BAC), driving while suspended, driving while revoked, no Insurance, improper registration, speeding, speeding in a construction zone, improper lane change, leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving, no operator’s license, obtaining plates of another, tampering, no headlights, tinted windows, driving through a stop sign or electric signal, driving on the wrong side of the road and improper passing

Warrants,
Capias & Bond Reductions

In felony cases and certain misdemeanor cases a warrant and/or capias are issued for one’s arrest once charges are brought against you. Once notified by mail, casenet, or by the police simply coming to your place of work or home can lead to problems in your life. Please contact Rudman & Smith in St. Louis, MO immediately to help at (314) 645-7246. We can help!

We will try to minimize these risks by working with the prosecutors and judges to avoid the embarrassment of being arrested and attempt to prevent you from spending time in jail while your case makes its way through the system. If you have a bond set, regardless of being physically incarcerated or not we can work to have your bond lowered. We are very successful in getting this accomplished for you regardless if the case is a felony or a misdemeanor. If successful this can save you money in the end for not having to obtain a bondsman who will take a amount (typically 10% of your stated bond) as their fee.

If we lower your bond and you put those same funds toward your bond that money will remain yours for your benefit at the completion of your case, assuming you or your attorney shows up to all the appropriate court dates as ordered. We have handled thousands of Warrant recalls and Bond Reductions at Rudman & Smith and we can help you.

Other Offenses

Other offenses we've handled include violations of ex parte order of protections, resisting arrest, property damage, falsifying police reports, tampering first and second, leaving the scene of an accident and minor in possession