Christian County, MO Felony Defense

When you are facing a felony charge in Christian County, Missouri, your future is on the line. Felony charges carry the possibility of long-term imprisonment, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. Even after serving a sentence, a felony conviction can affect your ability to find housing, secure employment, or even retain basic civil rights. At Scrivner Law Firm, we understand that good people can find themselves in difficult circumstances. We also believe that everyone deserves a strong and strategic defense.

Whether you have been charged with drug distribution, burglary, assault, fraud, or any other felony-level offense, our team is ready to stand between you and the power of the state. Our firm is headed by Dayrell Scrivner, a former Chief Assistant Prosecutor in Stone County who now defends the rights of the accused throughout southern Missouri. With our office based in Branson, we routinely represent clients in Christian County and beyond, delivering powerful legal advocacy rooted in decades of criminal law experience.

Who We Are: Decades of Prosecutorial and Defense Experience

Attorney Dayrell Scrivner brings over 30 years of experience to the courtroom, including more than two decades as a state prosecutor. He has handled thousands of criminal cases from both sides of the aisle, giving him a rare dual perspective that allows him to anticipate how prosecutors will approach your case. He understands how evidence is built, how plea offers are structured, and how juries are persuaded. His experience is not theoretical. It comes from years spent in real courtrooms, arguing real cases, under real pressure.

As a defense attorney, Mr. Scrivner applies his prosecutorial insights to uncover weaknesses in the government’s case. He takes a no-nonsense approach to the facts and treats each client with the seriousness and respect they deserve. Whether you are a first-time offender or someone with prior convictions, Scrivner Law Firm is prepared to defend your rights with dedication, discretion, and clarity.

Understanding Felony Charges in Missouri

In Missouri, criminal offenses are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on their severity. Felonies are the most serious category and are further divided into five classes, each carrying different penalties.

• Class A Felony: The most serious category short of capital punishment. Penalties range from 10 to 30 years, or life in prison. Examples include first-degree murder, some sex crimes involving minors, and kidnapping.
  
• Class B Felony: These charges typically result in 5 to 15 years in prison. Crimes like voluntary manslaughter, certain drug trafficking offenses, and robbery fall into this class.
  
• Class C Felony: Punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Common charges include domestic assault in the second degree or stealing property worth more than $25,000.
  
• Class D Felony: Carries up to 7 years of imprisonment. Includes offenses like forgery, unlawful use of a weapon, or possession of a controlled substance (depending on the amount and intent).
  
• Class E Felony: The least severe felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Examples include resisting arrest by fleeing in a motor vehicle or certain forms of harassment.

Although each class differs in terms of penalties, all felonies can have lasting consequences. A conviction could jeopardize your ability to vote, own firearms, obtain professional licenses, and receive government assistance. The social stigma attached to being a “felon” can follow you long after your sentence is complete. That is why it is critical to engage experienced legal counsel as early as possible in the process.

The Stakes of a Felony Conviction

For many of our clients, the criminal justice system feels overwhelming and impersonal. You may have been arrested unexpectedly, questioned aggressively, or charged based on incomplete or inaccurate evidence. Perhaps you’re not even sure what the police believe you did wrong. This confusion is compounded by the very real fear of incarceration, loss of family support, and financial ruin.

But it is important to remember that being charged is not the same as being convicted. You are still presumed innocent under the law. That presumption must be protected, and it is our job to hold the state to its burden of proof.

At Scrivner Law Firm, we believe in building a proactive, strategic defense. We do not sit back and wait to see what the prosecutor will do. From the moment you hire us, we begin investigating the facts, identifying witnesses, securing surveillance footage, challenging unlawful searches, and scrutinizing the evidence. Our goal is always to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means a dismissal, a reduced charge, or an acquittal at trial.

Types of Felony Cases We Handle

Felony charges come in many forms, and each requires a tailored approach. We represent clients facing a broad range of charges, including:

• Drug Offenses: From felony possession to distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking, drug-related charges can be complex and technical. We challenge lab results, chain of custody, search warrants, and officer credibility.
  
• Violent Crimes: Assault, robbery, manslaughter, and homicide charges demand serious and immediate legal action. We examine whether force was justified, whether the alleged victim is credible, and whether forensic evidence supports the prosecution’s theory.
  
• Sex Offenses: These cases are uniquely sensitive and often rely heavily on personal testimony. We defend those accused of sexual assault, statutory rape, or possession of illicit material with discretion and strategic care.
  
• Property Crimes: Felony theft, burglary, embezzlement, and fraud are all crimes that carry harsh sentences. We review financial records, challenge ownership claims, and seek to reduce charges whenever possible.
  
• Weapons Charges: Unlawful possession, use, or discharge of a firearm can elevate even minor offenses into serious felonies. We evaluate whether gun laws were properly applied and whether your constitutional rights were violated.

Each category carries its own challenges and defenses. Our team is prepared to meet those challenges head-on.

The Criminal Process in Christian County

When you are charged with a felony in Christian County, your case will be processed through the 38th Judicial Circuit Court in Ozark. The process typically begins with an arrest, followed by a probable cause determination. If the state believes there is enough evidence, a formal charge will be filed and you may be indicted by a grand jury or charged by information. You will then have a preliminary hearing, followed by arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, and potentially a trial.

Many defendants are surprised at how long this process can take. Months may pass between court dates, and it is easy to feel forgotten or overlooked. That is where we come in. We guide you through each stage, keep you informed, and provide the steady hand needed to navigate the system with confidence.

Serving Christian County Clients from Our Branson Office

Although our physical office is located in Branson, we frequently represent clients in Christian County. In fact, many of our cases originate in this area. The legal and procedural norms in Christian County are familiar territory for us. We know the judges, the prosecutors, the court staff, and the local dynamics that can influence a case.

Our proximity to Christian County allows us to be responsive and present. We do not view distance as a barrier. In fact, we see it as an advantage because we are close enough to act immediately when needed.

Personalized Defense, One Client at a Time

At Scrivner Law Firm, you are never just another case file. From the beginning, we treat your situation with the seriousness it deserves. We take the time to listen to your side of the story. We examine the details that others might overlook. And we give honest, informed advice about your options; no sugarcoating, no false promises.

Every case is different. Some call for negotiation, others demand a trial. In either situation, we are prepared to fight. We do not outsource our work. When you hire our firm, you work directly with Attorney Dayrell Scrivner and our close-knit legal team. Our clients appreciate the personal attention, the open communication, and the depth of knowledge we bring to the table.

What to Do If You’re Charged With a Felony

If you have been charged with a felony, or even if you suspect you are under investigation, do not wait to speak with a lawyer. The earlier you involve us, the more options you may have. Evidence fades. Witnesses move. Legal mistakes made in the early days of a case can be difficult to reverse.

Here is what you should do:

1. Do not speak to police without an attorney present.
   
2. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer.
   
3. Gather any documents, photos, or names of witnesses that may be helpful.
   
4. Contact a defense attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Let Us Help You Protect Your Future

Being accused of a felony is not the end of the road. With the right legal representation, it may be possible to reduce or dismiss charges, negotiate favorable plea deals, or win your case at trial. At Scrivner Law Firm, we are ready to stand in your corner and push back against the power of the prosecution.

We believe in second chances. We believe in fairness. And we believe that everyone deserves to have their voice heard in court.

Whether you’re facing charges for the first time or have been through the system before, you don’t have to face it alone.

Call Scrivner Law Firm Today

If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Christian County, Missouri, time is critical. Don’t wait for the system to decide your future for you. Let us help you take control of your defense. Schedule a consultation today.