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Stephen Michael Vighi
About Stephen
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Missouri for 27 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
The Thurman Law Firm
301 Main St, Hillsboro, MO, 63050
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Stephen Michael Vighi's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Derek | May 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
If your fighting for your life, get the best lawyer in Jefferson county..mr vighi!
I was in a tough situation fighting an assault 1st with deadly weapons charge and armed criminal action because of some kids I've never met or seen before tried robbing my "goods", and they didn't realize that some people actually fight back when being robbed at gunpoint, Steve went from me facing a ...
Posted by Lisa | November 5, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Traffic Citation
Steve Vighi is a highly intelligent, very aggressive lawyer who could not have given me a better outcome for my case. I could not have been more thrilled with his knowledge, courtroom presence and advise from beginning to end with my case. Mr. Vighi was a pleasure to have represent me and I would g...
Posted by Heather | October 10, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
EXCELLENT!!
Greatest lawyer I have ever met. Very affordable, down to earth, straight forward, and a diligent hard working lawyer. Myself and four people I know have hired him and are very pleased.
Stephen Michael Vighi's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred Stephen cases in the past, and all of the clients were very satisfied with Stephen."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly recommended. Excellent advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I know Stephen and i am very familiar with commitment and dedication to his clients. He's an excellent attorney and advocate"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have read many of Mr. Vighi's answers on this site and have found them to be accurate and well written."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Steve for almost 5 years now, and in my opinion, believe he is the best criminal defense attorney in Jefferson County. He is very well respected by his peers and will fight hard for his clients."
"When it comes to criminal defense in Jefferson County, Missouri, there is nobody better than Steve. He's a tactful and client oriented attorney and a joy to work with as a partner."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve is a great attorney to have on your side. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an excellent trial attorney and extremely well-respected in his community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He's especially knowledgeable in Jefferson County, Missouri which can be a tricky jurisdiction."
"I endorse this lawyer. Vighi is my go-to guy for Jefferson County criminal matters. He and his firm do a great job!"
"I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Vighi during a jury trial, and he is a truly excellent lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Vighi is an excellent attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Partner, Thurman Law Firm
2004 - 2009
Associate, Thurman Law Firm
2001 - 2004
Attorney, Missouri State Public Defender System
1998 - 2001
Associate, John R. Boyce PC
Associations
2001 - Present
Jefferson County Bar AssociationMember
Jefferson County Young Lawyers Association
Past President
Education
1998
Saint Louis University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
Washington University in St. Louis
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Woman's Bar Association of Jefferson County CLE
Changes in DWI law 2010 - Panel Discussion
Publications
2014
Thurman Law Firm
Timing – a look into the criminal justice system
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I ask for a new probation officer
21 Feb 2016
Q&A
How does the parole violation/revocation process work in MO, and how should an attorney properly handle my case?
25 Jan 2016
Q&A
What is the difference between having a commitment and a warrant?
25 Nov 2015