Oakville Criminal Defense Attorney

Police investigations in Oakville can lead to criminal charges before you have much time to react. From the first stop or contact, law enforcement is already building a case against you. An arrest can follow if police believe there’s probable cause that you committed a crime.

 

Missouri divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. A conviction may lead to jail time or probation and fines, depending on the specific crime. Plus, a criminal record can haunt you long after the case ends.

 

The good news is that there’s experienced, skilled legal help available. The Oakville criminal defense attorneys at Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. represent people facing criminal charges in Oakville and across the St. Louis area. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense work, including a former prosecutor and a military lawyer who understand how prosecutors build criminal cases. 

 

Don’t risk handling your case on your own. Contact Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer serving Oakville, MO.

What Happens After an Arrest in Oakville, Missouri?

Police officers may arrest a person based on probable cause or an active warrant. After an arrest, the case usually proceeds through a series of hearings and pretrial steps before a resolution or trial.

Many people don’t know what to expect, although an experienced lawyer can help you understand what’s at stake in your unique case. Generally, your case will go through these steps:

 

  • Arrest and Booking – Police transport you to a local jail after an arrest. Officers record basic information and may take fingerprints and photographs during booking.
  • Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing – A judge reviews the arrest and sets bond conditions under Missouri court rules. Bond may include financial requirements or conditions that restrict contact with certain people.
  • Filing Formal Charges – Prosecutors review police reports and determine what charges to file. Missouri law classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies.
  • Pretrial Proceedings – Your attorney may review the evidence collected by police and file motions challenging certain evidence. Courts may consider whether police followed constitutional limits during searches or questioning.
  • Resolution or Trial – Some cases can be resolved before trial through negotiations or motion practice. Other cases proceed to trial, where prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

Having an experienced lawyer on your side during these stages allows your attorney to evaluate the case early and identify possible defenses. Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. reviews Oakville police reports and the evidence to understand what legal issues may affect the prosecution’s case.

Types of Criminal Charges We Defend in Oakville

Criminal charges in Oakville cover a wide range of offenses, and the attorneys at Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. can jump in to handle them at every stage. Some of the most common crimes our lawyers defend include:

Drug Crimes

Drug charges often come from traffic stops, searches of homes, or undercover investigations. Missouri law defines offenses like possession of a controlled substance and delivery or distribution of controlled substances. Penalties depend on the type and amount of the substance involved, as well as any prior convictions. Many cases involve challenging whether searches and seizures were legal. We also frequently find inconsistencies in laboratory testing or chain-of-custody evidence.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI)

Driving under the influence also leads to serious charges. Prosecutors rely on breath or blood test results and officer observations to build their case against you. Convictions can result in jail time and fines. You may also be subject to license suspension or revocation and ignition interlock requirements. 

Domestic Violence and Other Violent Crimes

Violent crimes and domestic violence charges carry some of the strictest penalties. Common offenses include assault and homicide. The consequences of a conviction often include prison, protective orders, or firearm restrictions. 

Gun Crimes

Gun crimes can appear on their own or alongside other charges. Offenses include unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, and possession of a firearm by prohibited persons. Some cases may also involve federal charges, which can dramatically increase the possible penalties.

Theft and Property Crimes

Property crimes in Missouri involve taking or damaging someone else’s property. Charges range from theft and burglary to robbery and property damage. The value of the property is usually the key factor in determining whether a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Sex Crimes

Sex crime charges may require registration as a sex offender if you’re convicted. Common charges include rape and statutory rape, along with cybercrimes like possessing child pornography. These cases often involve forensic evidence and digital records, and may require expert witnesses for the best defense.

Federal Crimes

Some offenses fall under federal jurisdiction, including federal drug trafficking, firearms violations, and fraud or financial crimes. Federal cases follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and sentencing will follow harsher federal guidelines.

How Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. Approaches Criminal Defense in Oakville

When you work with us, we begin by reviewing every detail of your specific case. Every piece of information matters, from police reports and witness statements to digital evidence and lab results. We don’t wait for court dates to pile up, either – we start reviewing the evidence the moment you trust us with your case.

 

Our attorneys take practical steps that protect your rights and put your case in the best possible position:

 

  • Reviewing police reports and arrest records to identify inconsistencies or procedural errors.
  • Examining whether searches, seizures, arrests, and warrants were valid and asking courts to suppress any unlawfully collected evidence.
  • Evaluating each piece of physical and digital evidence, including lab results and surveillance.
  • Retaining experts to break down complicated evidence for a judge or jury.
  • Investigating the circumstances of the alleged offense, including interviewing witnesses and collecting supporting documentation.
  • Filing pretrial motions and advocating for adjustments to bond or conditions when appropriate.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors when it makes sense, while preparing for trial if a resolution outside court won’t serve your interests.

Our experience comes from our combined decades of working in Missouri courts, including in the Oakville area. With a former prosecutor and a military attorney on our team, we understand how cases are built and how to anticipate the arguments the state may use. We stay deeply involved at every stage of your case, so you can have confidence that your defense is informed and responsive to evolving updates.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Oakville Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Oakville, you can protect yourself right away by calling our firm. The lawyers at Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. know what needs to be done right away to give you the best chance of success.

 

Our approach is hands-on. We explain the procedures and what each court appearance may involve, so you know what to expect. We also handle communications with prosecutors and other parties, allowing you to concentrate on daily life while we manage the legal work.

 

We represent clients across a wide range of charges, including state and federal felonies and misdemeanors. Every case gets the same thorough attention from lawyers who care about how your case turns out.

 

Contact Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. today to discuss your case. Bringing us on early gives you the opportunity to take control of your defense while we fight for the best outcome possible.