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 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) and students who are accused of underage drinking. 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 or traffic offenses. If you hold a commercial truck driver’s license, you should be aware that a DUI conviction could have serious consequences to your continued employment and could impact 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) 256-4044 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. Karen also represents clients in the following family law matters: - Paternity
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and modification
- Family law appeals
If you need assistance with a family law matter, contact Karen at (573) 256-4044 or by e-mail to schedule a consultation. |
