Criminal Defense When your future is at risk, you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to advise you of your options, negotiate effectively on your behalf, and work to achieve a favorable outcome for your case. A former Missouri State Public Defender, Karen Bourgeois has established a working relationship with prosecutors and judges and is readily familiar with the court system, enabling her to achieve favorable results for her clients. Karen’s criminal defense practice includes representation in: - DUI/DWI offenses
- Drug violations
- Misdemeanors
- Traffic offenses, including loss of driving privileges/driver’s license suspensions
- Felonies
- Post-conviction motions
- Criminal appeals
Karen assists college students and university employees who have been accused of drunk driving (DUI/DWI) and students who are accused of underage drinking. In Missouri being stopped with under 35 grams of marijuana can also affect your driving privilege, so you should be represented by counsel. Karen works with her clients to help them reduce the charges they face, thereby allowing her client to keep their license and prevent their insurance premiums from increasing. Due to the proximity of her office to the I-70 corridor, Karen also represents many truck drivers who have been accused of DUI and other traffic offenses that may have serious consequences to your CDL and may affect your employment and your ability to earn a livelihood. Protect your rights and seek immediate legal advice.
Speeding tickets or other traffic violations often have unforseen consequences to your driving privilege and insurance rates. Even more so, if you are a commercial or over-the-road truck driver. Depending on the circumstances, these tickets can sometimes be reduced to non-point offenses or we can lessen the impact on your driving record--often without a court appearance. Call for a free assessment of your options.
Karen also has particular expertise in the area of post-conviction motions and cases, including 29.15 and 24.035 motions. Rule 29.15 applies to guilty verdicts after a criminal trial, Rule 24.035 applies to guilty pleas. In a Rule 29.15 proceeding, where an appeal from the conviction is taken and ultimately affirmed on appeal, the post-conviction motion must be filed in the Circuit Court where the conviction was entered within 90 days after the appellate court issued its mandate. Otherwise the motion must be filed within 180 days after the defendant enters the prison system. These due dates cannot be extended so don’t delay-protect your rights and contact Karen immediately if you need assistance with a post-conviction motion. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime and need honest, experienced legal advice and representation, call Karen at 573-999-4353 or by e-mail to schedule a confidential consultation. Family Law Family law matters are particularly stressful. You need an understanding attorney who will guide you and advise you of your rights. Karen has particular expertise in the area of uncontested divorce. She also represents people who need assistance with completing Missouri’s divorce forms, and will provide pro se divorce assistance for a nominal fee. If you need assistance with a family law matter, contact Karen at 573-999-4353 or by e-mail to schedule a consultation. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be made based solely on advertising. The information and materials on this Web site are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this Web site is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney, therefore if you require legal advice please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. |
