Our Team

Souder Tate

Attorney and Counselor at Law

A defense attorney must zealously represent his client's best interests; a prosecutor must do what is in the best interests of society. A common perception of the criminal justice system is that prosecutors and defense counsel must butt heads in order to do their jobs. The truth is that often a solution can be found which is in the best interests of both the client and society. With experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, Souder Tate can look at his client's case from both perspectives, finding common ground to resolve criminal charges.

This desire to zealously defend his clients while seeking solutions rather than unnecessary confrontation led Souder Tate to develop the C.A.R.E. Sentencing Plan. Through this innovative alternative sentencing program, Souder Tate helps his clients develop the structure and community of support they need in order to succeed both on probation and in life. Based on a client's individual needs, referrals can be made to various treatment and service providers. Everything is documented, and this documentation forms the backbone of the written C.A.R.E. Sentencing Plan. By telling his client's story, supported by the client's documented efforts, Souder Tate can give the Court clear and compelling reasons to consider sentencing alternatives other than incarceration.

Education

Memberships

Recent Seminars and Conferences

  • DWI Court Planning Training, co-sponsored by National Drug Court Institute and the National Center for DWI Courts - November 2011
  • The 13th Annual Drug Court Conference, sponsored by Missouri Association of Drug Court Professionals March 2011
  • Best Practices for Adult Drug Courts Regional Training, sponsored by Missouri Association of Drug Court Professionals, October 2010
  • The New DWI Law and Drug Court, sponsored by Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, September 2010
  • The 12th Annual Drug Court Conference, sponsored by Missouri Association of Drug Court Professionals, March 2010
  • Restorative Justice in Adult Criminal Courts, sponsored by University of Missouri Columbia, November 2009
  • The 2nd Annual Bernard M. Edelman DWI Law, Evidence and Science Conference, sponsored by Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, July 2009

Rachel Ledbetter

Paralegal

Rachel Ledbetter has worked for Souder Tate Law as a paralegal and case manager since May 2001. As case manager, she assists Souder Tate in gathering the documentation and information necessary to prepare an accurate C.A.R.E. Sentencing Plan. Rachel's skills and diligence allow Souder Tate to tell the client's story, giving the Court clear and compelling reasons to consider sentencing alternatives other than incarceration.

Rachel also has a great deal of knowledge and experience preparing documents and working on administrative drivers license matters involving the Missouri Department of Revenue.