Some police dogs are trained to sniff out drugs, bombs, firearms and even child pornography. But under what circumstances can something that these K-9 officers spot with their noses be used as evidence? It depends on where it is. Your home For a police dog to be used...
Understanding hearsay evidence
Most everyone has seen defense attorneys and prosecutors on TV shows and in movies object to certain testimony as inadmissible because it's "hearsay." That often happens in real life as well. However, there are times when hearsay evidence is admissible. What is...
Prosecutors in Kansas City have ramped up diversion programs for drug charges
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,...
Young drivers should be aware of “Abuse and Lose” for DUI
In Kansas City and across Missouri, one of the most exciting events in a young person’s life is reaching the age to get a driver license. Driving is a significant responsibility and its legal requirements often collide with the absence of judgment and fundamental...
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...