Everyone knows how challenging the year 2020 was. The criminal justice system was no exception. As of the end of the year, about half of Missouri's circuit courts were still under severe restrictions for in-person trials and hearings, bringing many criminal cases to a...
What happens when you have multiple DUIs?
If you've previously had a DUI in Missouri, then it's very important that you protect yourself now that you're facing another. A DUI has lasting consequences, and a conviction for a second, third or even fourth DUI will have more significant penalties than the first....
Should I be represented by a public defender?
Regardless of the underlying allegations, felony criminal charges are serious. A conviction on any of these charges can result in jail or prison time that can be quite extensive, and you might be hit with a fine that devastates your finances. As if that’s not enough,...
Data shows racial disparities in drug arrests in Kansas City
According to information released by the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office, Black individuals accounted for 54% of the drug suspects referred to the Kansas City police for drug charges even though they only make up around 39% of the overall population. This data,...
Attacking witness credibility can be powerful in your case
Felony charges can threaten to derail your life. If you end up convicted, then your freedom, your reputation, and even your financial stability can be stripped from you. In other words, you’ve got a lot to lose in your case, which means that you need to do everything...
Remember these 4 tips to avoid prison with felony charges
There is no easy way to be sure you won't go to prison for a felony charge. The penalties you face will depend on what happened and the class of the felony. However, there are some good tips for avoiding long prison sentences in some instances. For many people,...
Where does the “right to remain silent” come from?
Many of us in Kansas City have a somewhat vague understanding of our “Miranda Rights.” For example, we may have seen police tell a person, “You have the right to remain silent,” in movies or on television. However, it is important to understand the extent of these...
Why drunk driving is such a problem in Missouri
A 2014 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Missouri has a significant drunk driving problem. Instances in which motorists get behind the wheel of their cars while under the influence of alcohol often result in someone...
Missouri violating parole revocation procedures
Missouri officials admitted that the state’s parole revocation procedures were unconstitutional two years ago and claimed that it corrected them. But these procedures still violate constitutional and civil rights, according to a recent court decision. A federal...
Plea deal made in drug-trafficking case in Missouri
A man in Missouri has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and being in possession of 12 pounds of methamphetamine. According to the news from Nov. 4, the man was also in possession of illegal firearms at the time of his arrest. The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty to a...