St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys

DRUG & DWI/DUI CRIMES

Assault by DWI

An assault by DWI case is one in which the defendant is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and another person suffers a serious physical injury as a result. These criminal charges are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and, therefore, require attorneys like those at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP who have extensive experience in both DWI and assault cases, two different and distinct areas of law, that will help build an effective defense.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking describes when there is alleged illegal import or transportation of controlled substances into the country or state. Spanning from Los Angeles to New Orleans, we have defended clients in an abundance of cases involving the alleged transportation of illegal drugs across the borders of destination cities all over the country. We diligently fight in cases involving complex and highly creative alleged drug distribution networks.

Drug Possession

Those convicted of drug possession have been accused of willfully possessing controlled substances such as “club drugs,” marijuana, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, heroin, or other illegal drugs. Our criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of drug possession cases for clients with varying degrees of backgrounds and drug histories, many of which have successfully resulted in full acquittals and dismissal of charges.

DWI, DUI & Felony DWI

An accusation of being impaired while driving can lead to fines, the loss of driving privileges, community service, jail time, and a criminal record. Cases such as these require attorneys with the time and resources capable to review all available evidence such as police reports, breathalyzer test records and testing equipment, etc. Our commitment to protecting those who have been accused has resulted in hundreds of not guilty verdicts and dismissed DWI charges.

Federal Drug Crimes

A federal drug conviction is typically regarded as a more severe type of crime, therefore, requiring more attention from the federal government. For example, simple drug possession may stay at the state level, but offenses involving drug manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution may be taken up with federal court, especially if the offense crosses state lines or occurs on federal lands. Federal prosecutors have a vast amount of resources and experience at their disposal, which is why it is necessary to have a drug crimes defense attorney who is as equally experienced.

Juvenile Offenses

A juvenile offense occurs when a youth under the age of 18 commits a criminal act and the family or guardian needs to be involved in the case process. Common offenses include underage DWI, minor in possession, theft, assault, vandalism, and shoplifting. In some cases, the prosecutor may attempt to move a juvenile case to adult court in order to subject the youth to more serious consequences when it is undue. The outcome of a juvenile offense case has long-term implications on the future opportunities of the child, which is why experienced attorneys, like those at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP, are necessary to help build a strong defense for vulnerable youths.

Prescription Drug Crimes

Prescription drug crimes are ones in which the individual is accused of either possessing or distributing prescription drugs without the proper authorization that is required of someone to do so, such as a doctor with a valid medical license. Depending on the type and amount of drugs, the legal penalties for prescription drug fraud can result in felony charges, large fines, and prison time. Our defense lawyers have handled a variety of prescription drug trials thanks to our decades of experience working with all types of drug crime cases.

SEX, THEFT, & ASSAULT

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery cases describe when an individual is accused of threatening violence as well as indicating an apparent, present ability to cause harm without ultimately making contact (known as assault), or they are accused of making contact through physical touching or inflicting harm upon someone else (known as battery). Our attorneys have strong investigative skills and can build a strong case involving mistaken identities or self defense. We have a strong track record in handling high-profile cases for a broad range of clients, including famous sports figures and other nationally recognized individuals.

Child Molestation

Cases of child molestation involve allegations of non-consensual acts that are sexual in nature, including intercourse or contact with any private parts with someone who is under the age of 18. Being accused of child molestation is not to be taken lightly as it has serious life-altering and long-term consequences. Our law firm has the resources to thoroughly analyze physical evidence, consult expert witnesses, and gather all relevant materials pertaining to the case to defend those wrongfully accused.

Homicide and Murder

Though the terms homicide and murder are frequently interchanged, cases for each are fundamentally different. Homicide is when one person kills another, but— while still criminal— it can be argued as excusable or justifiable by a skilled criminal defense attorney. On the other hand, murder describes when someone kills another person and has an element of intention or premeditation to the act. At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP, our attorneys have achieved reduced charges and numerous acquittals in complex homicide and murder cases using our unwavering diligence and vast legal knowledge.

Indecent Exposure

When an individual has exposed an area of their body that is commonly regarded as “private” while in a public place, causing someone else alarm or distress, they may be accused of indecent exposure. Cases involving children under 15, whether in person or electronic means, can lead to harsher charges. Our criminal defense attorneys have gained a reputation of presenting well-crafted, compelling defenses in a range of high-profile criminal charges, including complex cases involving indecent exposure.

Internet Sex Crimes

Internet sex crimes cover a wide berth of sex crimes taking place through electronic means. For example, child enticement describes when an individual is accused of arranging to meet up with a child for an allegedly perverse motive. Possession of child pornography is when an individual is accused of sending or receiving an illegal image, sometimes inadvertently and over state lines. In cases like this, a criminal defense attorney is needed to represent the accused individual’s intent and argue the true ownership of material and control over computers, as well as many other factors. We have successfully crafted defenses and gained invaluable experience in numerous sex crime cases.

Kidnapping

When an individual knowingly and unlawfully restrains another person without their consent, they have carried out a kidnapping. The person who is allegedly kidnapped can be of any age, and the commonly misunderstood reasons for kidnapping might be custody disputes, drug debts, or fighting between couples. Our lawyers have handled dozens of kidnapping cases and will use any and all investigative avenues in our effort to get to the bottom of the matter. We work diligently to achieve truth and mitigate or dismiss the effects of kidnapping charges.

Sex Crimes

There are a wide range of sex crimes that an individual can be charged with, including rape or sexual assault, child molestation, prostitution, and internet sex crimes, to name a few. Missouri sex crime legal penalties are particularly harsh, with most convictions leading to mandatory jail time or lifetime mandatory registration on a sex offender registry. At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP, we have the resources necessary to investigate every case. We are able to draw on our 50+ years of combined experience to craft an effective defense, often resulting in a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is when a motorist has been accused of driving recklessly or under the influence of a controlled substance and, therefore, their negligence has caused the death of another person. It is defined as involuntary manslaughter because there is no intent to kill, but someone has lost their life nonetheless. Missouri imposes stricter penalties when drugs or alcohol are involved. Our trained team of criminal defense lawyers can help, no matter the circumstances. We have direct access to expert witnesses with the knowledge and skill to challenge BAC evidence. We will conduct a thorough investigation to protect the rights of our clients.

WHITE COLLAR & MONEY CRIMES

Bank and Securities Fraud

Bank and securities fraud covers a wide breadth of cases involving fraud charges, such as racketeering, insider trading and stock manipulation, investment fraud, pyramid and Ponzi schemes, breaches of fiduciary duties, and embezzlement. Bank and securities fraud allegations require a criminal defense lawyer who can navigate negotiations and protect the rights of the accused throughout the process. The lawyers at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP, have handled dozens of high-asset fraud cases throughout the U.S., both on a local and national level.

Check & Credit Card Fraud

Check & credit card fraud generally involves intentionally depriving another person or entity of money by using deceptive and unfair means. These cases can result in thousands of dollars lost for the victims. For example, check fraud might occur when an individual allegedly attempts to forge or alter the writing on a check; construct a fake check; or write a bad check knowing that it will bounce. Credit card fraud might happen when an individual allegedly obtains and uses a credit card that they are not authorized to use, or they have used a stolen identity to secure a credit card in someone else’s name. Complex cases like these require skilled representation able to successfully defend an individual’s rights at both the state and, potentially, the federal level.

Embezzlement

When an individual is entrusted to manage a person or entity’s assets and they allegedly steal a portion of it for their own personal gain, they may be charged with embezzlement. A conviction may lead to prison time and financial penalties. Upon release, professional licenses are lost and the individual must live as a convicted felon. Our team of lawyers have defended everyone from C-suite executives to lower level managers in a wide range of white collar offenses, including embezzlement cases.

Mail and Wire Fraud

Mail and wire fraud is any sort of any scheme carried out in a fraudulent manner with the intent to deprive another person of their money or property. The difference between the two is that mail fraud is a scam, deceit, or trickery that is carried out through the postal or private mail service, while wire fraud is the same concept except carried out through the internet, telephone, or across interstate wires. As such, mail and wire fraud are highly common “add-ons” to other criminal charges. If federal authorities have indicated that they are investigating possible fraud charges against an individual, it is important for that individual to seek qualified legal help, like our criminal defense team, before they have agreed to cooperate.

Medicaid & Medicare Fraud

Medicaid and Medicare fraud are types of healthcare fraud that allege a variety of claims such as paying or accepting kickbacks; overbilling of services or drug prices; falsifying application information; improper use of medical insurance; and tampering with bills and receipts. These types of cases are complex due to the constantly evolving laws and regulations surrounding Medicare and Medicaid. Our team of lawyers have an innate understanding of the healthcare industry, thereby creating powerful defenses for our clients accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud.

Tax Fraud

When a business, tax preparer, or everyday individual allegedly underpays taxes on purpose, they may have committed tax fraud. This type of white collar crime is penalized in Missouri, both criminally and administratively by the Internal Department of Revenue, and can include up to $500,000 in fines as well as up to five years in prison. The problem is that federal and state tax codes are exceedingly complicated, which makes it difficult to maintain full compliance, which is why a defense attorney is needed to protect the rights of the accused individual. At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP, our attorneys can expertly navigate the tax labyrinth and present a compelling defense.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes cover a wide variety of allegations, many of which claim that the individual, business, or government official(s) committed a deceitful act motivated by financial gain. These cases include embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, Medicaid and Medicare fraud, tax fraud, bank and securities fraud, and check and credit card fraud. The key to defending against white collar crime charges is to conduct a thorough investigation of charges and to draw upon experience with government tactics in order to be one step ahead and always countering the prosecution’s arguments. Our team has 50+ years of combined legal experience in high-profile cases against federal prosecutors and can put together an aggressive and effective defense.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Louis!

For any type of case, our firm has extensive knowledge and experience in aggressively protecting the rights of our clients. Our team of lawyers are licensed to practice law in Illinois and Missouri. We are honored to have been listed as Super Lawyers® by our peers and awarded AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. We are also proud to have been awarded membership in Top 100 Trial Lawyers Association and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Our firm has represented athletes, political figures, and other high-profile individuals. Our cases have been covered by 60 Minutes, CNN, and other national news agencies, and we are frequently asked to speak with national and local media. With a reputation that precedes us, we work diligently to fight hard in each and every case.  Contact us today to help in your case.