If you are facing criminal charges related to substance abuse or mental health issues, you might feel like the traditional court system cannot address your underlying problems. Missouri's treatment court system offers an alternative approach that focuses on...
The stress of contending with criminal charges can make you want to talk through your situation with anyone who will listen. That natural impulse can destroy your case. Every person you speak to—from a fellow inmate to someone who witnessed the alleged incident—can...
Yes — even a first DWI can cost you your license in Missouri, and it can happen fast. The suspension doesn’t always wait for your court date to kick in, and if you’re not paying attention, you could lose your chance to push back or stay on the road legally. Here’s how...
With prices of goods continuing to increase, some shoppers think it’s fair to switch retail price tags to secure a better deal. But doing is a form of theft, thereby constituting a crime. And the penalties tied to a theft conviction can be severe, including fines and...
You are heading home after a long day, thinking about dinner or your next stop, when red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror. Within minutes, an officer places you in the back of a patrol car. Maybe they found something on you, or it belonged to someone...
In the past, the law treated domestic violence much the same way it treated any other violence. This meant the law wasn't designed to have a role in preventing domestic violence, only in punishing those who committed domestic violence. Over time, the states reached a...
After being charged with a criminal offense, you’ll have to find a way to confront the evidence presented by the prosecution. One option is to simply enter a plea deal where you agree to plead guilty in exchange for lighter penalties. But don’t be so quick to jump on...
In some ways, Missouri takes a preventative approach toward domestic violence. Rather than just waiting for something bad to happen and then punishing the person responsible, courts and law enforcement personnel can take actions meant to prevent domestic violence. One...
Most people who are facing criminal charges want an answer to this question. But it’s not always an easy one to answer. There are several factors that can come into play in your case that have an impact on the type and the severity of penalties that you’ll face....
Most gun owners in Missouri take the responsibility of carrying a firearm very seriously. However, it is still important to understand what situations could result in gun charges for unlawful use of a weapon and where exceptions exist. The following situations can...