Missouri takes sexual offenses very seriously. In addition to penalties, severe crimes have permanent effects, such as registering as a sex offender after fulfilling their designated prison time. According to state law, any offender who committed severe sex crimes...
Empower Yourself, Know Your Rights
Criminal Defense
Can police search your rental self-storage unit?
The Fourth Amendment protects your right to privacy in your home, vehicle and other property. It may also apply to your self-storage unit under certain circumstances. Warrants The Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable search and seizure and your privacy...
Can an officer search my vehicle for drugs without a warrant?
Under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, you are protected from warrantless searches by law enforcement officials in places where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., your home). It can be difficult to determine which places warrant...
When do I have to let the police come into my house?
Seeing a police officer at your door can be scary. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, the presence of a police officer can make you uneasy. It is natural to get anxious when in an unexpected situation involving a police officer. This anxiety may cause you to...
Building a strong defense against felony charges
Serious, overwhelming, stressful and scary: These are all ways to describe what it is like to face a felony charge. From the moment you are charged, the prosecution is working diligently on building a case against you. Thus, it is pertinent that you work as quickly...
Can you argue self-defense in your battery case?
In the blink of an eye, a domestic argument can turn into a physical altercation. When someone ends up injured in one of these disputes, then the police might be called, and you might find yourself in handcuffs accused of battery. What are your defense options if this...
When is an assault a felony in Missouri?
For the most part when people physically harm others in Missouri, they could be charged with a crime. There are times when people may have defenses such as self-defense, but for the most part, if people are seen as the aggressor in a situation, they will at least be...
When does a DUI charge become a felony in Missouri?
When charged with a DUI in Missouri, the penalties for a conviction can vary. The most severe will be if there is a felony charge. There are five categories of felony DUI in the state ranging from Class A to Class E. When facing charges, it is important to understand...
Attitudes about cannabis have changed in Missouri
Attitudes about cannabis have been changing rapidly in Missouri and across the United States. In fact, in certain cases, some incarcerated people who have been serving time on drug charges are being granted clemency by the president if they have proven that they are...
When should you cooperate with law enforcement?
Criminal charges can damage your reputation and leave you feeling fearful about your future. A conviction on those charges can result in devastating consequences, including jail or prison time and ripple effects that touch your ability to secure and maintain housing...