Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers in ZIP 63050 | 10 available

One of the things that I think is critical to being a quality lawyer is to enjoy what you do.  I am very thankful that since I graduated from law school 15 years ago, I have always enjoyed being a lawyer.. As a lawyer, I spend lots of hours preparing cases for trial, holding the State to their burden of proof and researching whatever evidentiary issues all my cases may have.  In fact, most of my blog entries focus on the in-and-outs of these issues.  However, I learned very early in my career nothing is more valuable than the time you spend meeting with the client.  Quite frankly, it’s the part of the career that I enjoy the most.  It’s during these meetings that I feel I can make the most difference.  It is my opportunity to get to know my client.. When my clients come to the office, it is usually during the most difficult time in their life   As one can imagine this is usually not an easy time for people when they are accused of a crime.  Often there is a lot more going on than just the stress of a pending criminal case, whether it’s an addiction issue, going through a difficult loss, or simply trying to navigate the emotional aftermath following an accusation.. These are sometimes difficult discussions but they are well worth the time.  As our society becomes more and more computer oriented clients ask if it is truly necessary to spend the time meeting in my office.  They will always be necessary and can never be replaced by a phone call, email or quick conversation in the courthouse hallway.  The personal connection is the foundation of a strong attorney/client relationship.. When I am arguing to a judge at a final sentencing, I am amazed how many times I reference back to something my client and I discussed in my conference room several months earlier at the beginning of the case.  If I spend the time getting to know my client, I can then in turn paint my client as a person, not just a “Defendant” to the State, to the Jury, or to the Judge.. Throughout my career I have had many former clients approach me and tell me how well they have been doing the last several years.  I have been blessed to see many people get their life back on track and live productive successful lives.  When I see people take advantage of these second chances it is a living example of the part of my criminal defense work that I find most satisfying.  It is why I enjoy doing this work.. A lot of people think that the accused do not deserve a second chance or could not possibly pull it together to take advantage of a second chance.  My experience shows otherwise.  As a lawyer, my relationship to my client is often the same we have to close family members – they may have their flaws, but I am not going to sit back and watch someone else push them around.

Forrest was born and raised in Jefferson County. He grew up in DeSoto and graduated from St. Pius X High School in Festus. He eventually ventured to the east coast and graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania with his bachelor’s degree in 1990. Forrest earned his juris doctorate from St. Thomas University Law School in Miami, Florida in 1994. While attending law school, he was a member of the honor council and interned in the Broward County Public Defender’s Office. Forrest started his law career at Lehnen Law Office in Richmond, Missouri during which he was also the Assistant Ray County Prosecuting Attorney. In 1999, he returned to Jefferson County as an assistant prosecuting attorney. Then, he left the prosecutor’s office and went to work for a local law firm in 2001. After learning the ropes, he eventually hung his own shingle by starting Wegge Law Office in 2005 and was appointed DeSoto municipal judge. In 2006, Forrest was elected as the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney and served for twelve years making him the longest serving prosecuting attorney in county history. During his 12 year term, he taught as an adjunct professor at Jefferson College, chaired various boards and advisory committees, and oversaw the longest student intern program in the history of the office. Once he accomplished the 12 year mark, Forrest decided to open Wegge & Casey, P.C. on the courthouse square and currently serves as the municipal judge in Crystal City. Forrest resides in Arnold with his wife, Heather, and daughter, Miranda.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Columbia and surrounding areas.