Why Choose Us
L&M Law Group is here for you when you need us most. We are experienced and dedicated St. Louis criminal defense attorneys. We believe our clients’ stories are our strongest weapon in defending them. Please, get to know us a little better.
What to Expect
Facing the Criminal Justice System can be frightening, but knowledge is power. Chris LaPée and Andy Morris have learned from their years of representing clients as experienced criminal defense attorneys that simply not knowing the process multiplies that fear and anxiety. Having as much information about the process you’re going through will alleviate some of that fear and anxiety you’re experiencing. Here at L&M Law Group, beginning with the initial consultation, we provide our clients with as much information as possible. We try to explain the procedures of a criminal case in general and what you could expect given the specific circumstances of your case. While we wish we had a crystal ball and could always tell you what to expect, for some cases that is not possible and we will tell you that. The attorneys at L&M Law Group will never lead you to expect an outcome for a case that cannot be guaranteed simply to win your business. During uncertain times, you deserve honest and professional advice, not a sales pitch.
We Are Trial Attorneys, Not Plea Attorneys
Most importantly, L&M Law Group was founded upon the ethic that a jury trial shouldn’t be considered as a “last resort” or a luxury like many other defense attorneys view them. It should always remain an option on the table to our clients. That is why our reasonable flat fees always include representation including a jury trial. We will never ask you for an additional retainer to try your case. We do not believe that any client should be charged a “trial tax” by their own attorney. That is your right, and it is our PRIVILEGE to have that trust placed in us. We also have no interest in pleading clients out as quickly as possible. We do not charge you as much as possible for the least amount of work. The St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys at L&M Law Group wouldn’t want to be treated that way, and we do not treat our clients that way. We will always give you a forthright assessment of your case and advise you along the way, but ultimately we are here to defend YOU. We will never force you into doing something you don’t want to do by using a “trial tax.” We will be by your side the entire way, and you will never have to worry about any surprise attorney fees that weren’t disclosed when you hired us.
Our Approach to Defending You
The fear and anxiety caused by feeling like you have no control over your life and what will happen is the primary reason the St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys at L&M Law Group focus their advocacy around telling YOUR story. All too often, people facing criminal charges are left wondering, “when do I get to say something?” or “when does the judge get to hear my side?” And, of course! Why wouldn’t you feel that way? From the moment an accusation is made, it feels like everyone — the court, the prosecutor, the police — are only listening to one side of the story. Heck, sometimes it even feels like your own attorney focuses more on the accusation than what you have to say about it. It’s like whatever you have to say doesn’t matter. But, what you have to say DOES matter. Your life, especially beyond whatever brief moment that might have led you into the criminal justice system MATTERS. Andy Morris and Chris LaPée advocate for you as a person, not just your case. With the thousands of cases prosecutors and judges see every year, it’s far too easy to cast aside someone whom they have only ever seen as “the defendant.” Our goal at L&M Law Group is for the prosecutor to know you by your name and to know you beyond what is contained in police reports. And, don’t underestimate the power of accomplishing something that seems so simple. As a former prosecutor, Chris can tell you it is trial practice 101 for prosecutors to not use the name of a person accused of a crime during a jury trial. Rather, prosecutors only address that person as “the defendant.” Why? Because prosecutors don’t want to humanize you at all to the jury! And, that is why the St. Louis Criminal Lawyers at L&M Law Group focus their advocacy around humanizing you — because it’s effective.
The Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys truly do it all in criminal law. Whether it is DWI, a sex crime, or a murder, they have experience in it. The St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at L&M Law Group each have over a decade of experience. Andy Morris and Chris LaPée have experience in handling just about every criminal charge you can think of from Murder First to DWIs to speeding tickets. Andy and Chris also have extensive experience in defending against sex offenses. No matter what you’re facing, the experienced criminal defense attorneys at L&M Law Group have defended many other clients going through the same thing.