ERNST LAW | COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
Columbia, Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers
Being arrested or charged with a crime in Columbia can put your freedom, career, reputation, and future at risk. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor, felony, DWI, drug charge, domestic assault allegation, or another criminal accusation, the decisions you make early in the case can matter.
Ernst Law represents people facing criminal charges in Columbia and throughout Boone County. Our attorneys approach each case by examining the evidence, the applicable Missouri law, and the circumstances that led to the charge before developing a defense strategy tailored to the client.
If you have been arrested, received a summons, or learned that you are under investigation in Columbia, contact Ernst Law to discuss your case with a Missouri criminal defense attorney.
Call (573) 415-2441
Request a Free Consultation
Criminal Defense Representation in Columbia, Missouri
Criminal cases in Columbia can range from municipal ordinance violations to serious felony prosecutions carrying the possibility of lengthy prison sentences.
Ernst Law represents clients in matters involving:
DWI and other alcohol-related offenses
Theft and property crimes
Felony and misdemeanor charges
Every case presents different legal and factual issues. A strong defense begins with understanding exactly what happened, what evidence the government has, and whether that evidence was obtained and handled lawfully.
Criminal Cases in Columbia and Boone County
Criminal cases arising in Columbia may be handled in different courts depending on the charge.
The City of Columbia Municipal Court handles alleged violations of Columbia city ordinances and operates as a division of the Boone County Circuit Court within Missouri's 13th Judicial Circuit.
More serious state criminal charges are generally handled through the Boone County court system.
That distinction can matter. The court, prosecutor, potential penalties, available procedures, and strategy may differ depending on where a case is filed.
An attorney familiar with criminal practice in Columbia and Boone County can identify which court has jurisdiction over the case and what steps should be taken next.
DWI Defense in Columbia, Missouri
A DWI arrest can create both criminal and driver's-license consequences.
Depending on the circumstances, a Columbia DWI case may involve questions about:
The reason for the traffic stop
Field sobriety testing
Breath or blood testing
Refusal of chemical testing
Video from a patrol vehicle or body camera
Prior alcohol-related offenses
Driver's-license suspension or revocation
Whether law enforcement complied with constitutional requirements
A DWI charge should not automatically be treated as a case that must result in a conviction. The evidence and the circumstances surrounding the investigation should be reviewed carefully.
Drug Charges in Columbia
Drug cases can range from simple possession allegations to serious felony trafficking prosecutions.
The defense may depend on issues such as who possessed the drugs, where they were found, whether police had lawful grounds to search a person, vehicle, residence, or other property, and whether prosecutors can prove knowledge or intent.
When a search or seizure violated the Constitution, the defense may be able to challenge whether the resulting evidence can be used in court.
Domestic Assault and Violent Crime Charges
Allegations involving domestic assault, assault, weapons, or other violent conduct can create immediate consequences beyond the criminal case itself.
A case may involve conflicting accounts, witness credibility issues, photographs, medical records, text messages, surveillance footage, body-camera recordings, or claims of self-defense.
The existence of an accusation does not determine what actually happened. Our attorneys examine the evidence surrounding the encounter and identify defenses supported by the facts and Missouri law.
Serious Felony and Murder Defense
Serious felony prosecutions require a defense built around the evidence from the beginning.
Cases involving murder, assault, armed criminal action, weapons offenses, or other violent felonies may involve forensic evidence, witness statements, digital records, expert testimony, surveillance footage, search warrants, and complicated questions of Missouri criminal law.
When self-defense is involved, Missouri's self-defense statute and Castle Doctrine may also become important depending on the facts.
Read more about Missouri’s Castle Doctrine.
Meet Our Columbia Criminal Defense Attorneys
Sarah Ernst
Sarah Ernst is a Missouri criminal defense attorney and the founder of Ernst Law. Her background includes work as a prosecutor and as an Assistant Attorney General before entering private criminal-defense practice.
Sarah represents clients in serious criminal matters and criminal appeals throughout Missouri.
Jason Mullikin
Jason Mullikin represents Ernst Law clients in Columbia, Boone County, and other areas of Mid-Missouri.
His criminal-defense practice includes misdemeanor and felony cases, DWI, drug charges, assault allegations, homicide cases, and other criminal matters. His experience allows him to evaluate both the evidence and the procedural issues that can determine the outcome of a criminal case.
Learn more about Jason Mullikin.
Why Hire Ernst Law for a Columbia Criminal Case?
A criminal charge is not just a court date. It can affect employment, professional licensing, firearms rights, driving privileges, family relationships, and a person's reputation.
Our approach is built around:
Thorough case investigation.
We review police reports, recordings, witness statements, physical evidence, digital evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest and investigation.
Individual defense strategy.
The strongest defense depends on the particular facts and law involved in the case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Experienced criminal representation.
Our attorneys focus their practice on criminal defense, appeals, and related litigation.
Representation beyond Columbia.
Ernst Law represents clients throughout Mid-Missouri and handles serious criminal appeals across the state.
Charged With a Crime in Columbia, Missouri?
If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, or believe you are under criminal investigation in Columbia, speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
Contact Ernst Law to discuss your case with a Columbia, Missouri criminal defense attorney.
Call (573) 415-2441 for a free 30-minute consultation.