The civil liberties that protect citizens, especially during the arrest or detention of a suspect, are an essential part of our nation’s legal system that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. These rights are covered in the Bill of Rights under the Fourth, Fifth,...
Gun violence in 2020 in Missouri
The year 2020 brought its share of troubles to many in the nation, including an increase in violent crimes in some areas. At 689 shooting fatalities, 2020 saw more gun violence fatalities in Missouri than ever before. Two cities saw a significant number of fatal...
When is a police dog ‘sniff’ search legal?
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...
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,...
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...
Does Missouri still allow the death penalty?
As someone who has been accused of murder and who has their freedoms on the line, one thing you may be wondering is if capital punishment is still used in Missouri. Capital punishment, better known as the death penalty, was first used in Missouri in 1810, and it has...
If you face enhanced charges, you need to have a strong defense
In the past, you made some decisions you're not proud of. You've lived and learned, and you've moved on. You didn't expect to face charges ever again, but now you're being accused of assaulting a woman you went out on a date with. You know you're innocent, but because...
Drug convictions result in serious time for Mexican nationals
A United States District Judge in Kansas City, Missouri, sentenced three Mexican nationals to time in federal prison as a result of their involvement in a drug trafficking ring. The three men were convicted of distributing large amounts of methamphetamine. Their...
