Christian County, MO Criminal Defense

Seasoned Criminal Defense Representation Rooted in Local Experience

When you are accused of a crime in Christian County, Missouri, the stakes are high. Your freedom, reputation, and future are all on the line. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, navigating the criminal justice system can feel isolating and overwhelming. But you do not have to face this fight alone. Scrivner Law Firm offers skilled, compassionate, and aggressive legal defense to individuals charged with crimes in Christian County and throughout Southwest Missouri.

Although our office is based in Branson, we are deeply familiar with the legal landscape of Christian County. From Ozark to Nixa, we defend the accused with the insight of a former prosecutor and the dedication of a seasoned defense attorney. Our approach is personalized, strategic, and built on over three decades of criminal law experience.

Why Choose Scrivner Law Firm for Your Criminal Defense?

Attorney Dayrell Scrivner, founder of Scrivner Law Firm, brings a distinct and invaluable perspective to your case. Before entering private practice, he served as a prosecutor for over 20 years, including his role as Chief Assistant Prosecutor in neighboring Stone County. This insider knowledge allows him to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and craft targeted defenses that protect your rights at every stage of the legal process.

Dayrell Scrivner is more than just a skilled litigator; he is a teacher, mentor, and advocate. As a licensed specialist instructor for Missouri police academies and universities, he has taught thousands of officers and students about criminal law, criminal procedure, and domestic violence. That background means he understands how cases are built, how investigations unfold, and how they fall apart under scrutiny.

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to criminal defense. Every case is unique, and every client deserves to be heard. We spend the time to fully understand your story, identify key legal issues, and fight for the best possible outcome whether that’s a dismissal, a not-guilty verdict, or a reduced charge.

Representing Clients in Christian County, Missouri

Christian County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, with a rapidly evolving legal landscape. The county seat, Ozark, is home to the Christian County Courthouse, where most criminal cases are filed and prosecuted by the Christian County Prosecutor’s Office.

While Scrivner Law Firm is headquartered in Branson, our legal reach extends into Christian County on a routine basis. We are well-versed in the procedures of the Christian County Circuit Court and have experience working with the judges, prosecutors, and probation officers in the region. Our Branson location does not limit our ability to provide proactive and responsive legal representation for those charged in Christian County—we regularly defend clients in Ozark, Nixa, Sparta, Clever, and other surrounding areas.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

At Scrivner Law Firm, we handle a wide range of criminal matters. Whether you are accused of a traffic violation or a Class A felony, we are prepared to mount a vigorous defense on your behalf.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and DUI Charges

Missouri takes impaired driving seriously. A conviction for DWI or DUI in Christian County can lead to jail time, steep fines, the loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record. But being charged is not the same as being guilty. We explore every angle of your case—Was the traffic stop legal? Were the field sobriety tests properly administered? Was the breathalyzer calibrated correctly?

In some cases, it is possible to challenge the arrest entirely. In others, we may negotiate a plea that avoids a conviction or pursue alternative sentencing programs such as SATOP (Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program). Regardless of the strategy, our goal remains the same: protect your license, your record, and your freedom.

Drug Offenses

Drug charges in Missouri range from minor possession of marijuana to serious offenses involving distribution or manufacturing. The consequences vary based on the type and quantity of the substance, prior convictions, and the presence of aggravating factors like weapons or proximity to schools.

We aggressively defend clients against drug-related charges by challenging search warrants, exposing illegal stops or arrests, and questioning the integrity of drug testing evidence. We are also knowledgeable about Missouri’s evolving marijuana laws and how they affect pending cases. If rehabilitation is a goal, we can advocate for entry into drug court or other diversion programs that prioritize treatment over punishment.

Domestic Violence and Assault Allegations

Few accusations carry the same stigma or legal complexity as domestic violence. A mere allegation can lead to protective orders, child custody issues, and immediate arrest—even before a conviction. We understand the deeply personal and emotional nature of these cases and take them seriously from the outset.

Our defense approach in domestic violence cases involves careful analysis of the evidence, including 911 calls, body cam footage, witness statements, and medical records. We also evaluate whether the alleged victim has any motive to fabricate or exaggerate claims, such as in the context of divorce or custody battles. If the evidence is weak or contradictory, we will fight to have charges dropped or reduced. And if trial becomes necessary, we are ready to defend your name in court.

Sexual Offenses

Being accused of a sex crime in Christian County can be devastating. The mere accusation can destroy reputations, families, and careers. A conviction can result in mandatory registration as a sex offender, significant prison time, and lifetime consequences.

We provide discreet, thorough, and unrelenting defense for clients accused of sexual assault, statutory rape, sexual misconduct, possession of child pornography, and related offenses. These cases often turn on credibility and require intensive scrutiny of digital evidence, forensic reports, and interview techniques. We are skilled at cross-examining expert witnesses and challenging the reliability of witness statements.

Theft, Burglary, and Property Crimes

Property crimes range from shoplifting and petty theft to burglary and arson. While some may seem minor at first glance, even a misdemeanor theft conviction can seriously impact your future employment opportunities.

We defend clients against charges involving embezzlement, credit card fraud, stolen property, and more. Often, we can negotiate restitution in exchange for reduced charges or diversion. In felony theft cases, we analyze the evidence for inconsistencies, alibi witnesses, or surveillance footage that may raise reasonable doubt.

Violent Crimes and Weapons Charges

Crimes involving violence are prosecuted aggressively in Christian County. These include assault, robbery, armed criminal action, and homicide. If you are facing such charges, it is critical that you contact a defense attorney immediately. Delay can cost you vital defense opportunities.

We defend these high-stakes cases with forensic precision, using crime scene analysis, ballistics reports, and medical evidence to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. When self-defense or defense of others is involved, we present these claims forcefully and effectively. We also address constitutional issues like illegal searches or improper Miranda warnings.

White Collar and Financial Crimes

Financial crimes are often paper-intensive and complex. Our firm is equipped to handle allegations of fraud, forgery, identity theft, embezzlement, and tax evasion. These cases require meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of financial transactions and regulatory compliance.

We review every document, transaction history, and email trail. In many cases, these charges arise from misunderstandings or civil disputes that become criminalized. We work to resolve such matters without jail time or a criminal conviction whenever possible.

Juvenile Defense

When a minor is arrested or charged with a crime, the case is usually handled in juvenile court. But don’t be fooled by the setting—these cases can still carry life-altering consequences. Our approach is to protect the child’s record and advocate for rehabilitation rather than punishment.

We have successfully defended minors accused of underage drinking, drug possession, vandalism, assault, and theft. Our firm works closely with families and school officials to minimize the long-term impact of youthful mistakes.

What Sets Scrivner Law Firm Apart?

What distinguishes Scrivner Law Firm is not just our record—it’s our approach. We treat every client with dignity, every case with urgency, and every challenge with the full weight of our legal knowledge.

Being based in Branson does not limit our ability to serve the accused in Christian County. In fact, our physical distance from the Christian County Courthouse often grants us a fresh, objective view of local cases, unburdened by courthouse politics or assumptions. We have defended clients throughout Southwest Missouri, and we bring that regional insight to every case we take on.

We return calls promptly, answer your questions with honesty, and explain your legal options in plain language. Our goal is not just to resolve your case—it’s to restore your peace of mind.

Call Scrivner Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Christian County, you need experienced and aggressive legal representation. Don’t let fear or uncertainty dictate your next move. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and fight for your future.

Call Scrivner Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation. We will listen to your side, assess your case, and develop a strategy tailored to your goals. Whether you are charged in Ozark, Nixa, Sparta, or elsewhere in Christian County, we are here to defend you.