When facing criminal charges, many people focus solely on the risk of incurring penalties handed down by the courts, such as jail time, probation and fines. However, the impact of a conviction often extends far beyond the courtroom. Extended consequences, known as...
Empower Yourself, Know Your Rights
Criminal Defense
Why do people give false names to police?
Imagine the adrenaline rush when you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The anxiety can cloud your judgment, leading you to make hasty decisions like giving a false name. You are not sure why you did it, but it happened. And you ask yourself why you resorted...
How does bail work for felonies in Missouri?
Facing felony charges in Missouri can turn your world upside down. One of the first hurdles you'll encounter is the bail process. This guide explains what you must know about bail for felony charges in the Show-Me State. What is bail? Bail is a financial agreement...
Can police search your phone during a traffic stop in Missouri?
Your smartphone holds a wealth of personal information. But what happens when you're pulled over in Missouri? Can the police search your phone during a traffic stop? Let's dive into the limits of these searches and your rights. The Fourth Amendment and your phone The...
Can joyriding land you in prison?
Joyriding, the act of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, is a criminal offense in the US. Despite the thrill it may offer, it can lead to severe legal repercussions. What makes joyriding a crime? Joyriding becomes a crime the instant an individual takes a...
Drinking in a parked car can still lead to a DUI charge
It's common knowledge that drinking and driving is against the law. No person who drives after drinking expects to get away with it. This is because the risk of getting into an accident or injuring another person is so great that the law unequivocally discourages this...
Is assault always a felony in Missouri?
Assault is a serious criminal offense, and the consequences differ depending on the situation. Sometimes, it may be a minor misdemeanor, while other circumstances could lead to a felony charge. But what exactly makes assault go from a misdemeanor to a felony in...
Motor vehicle theft and why it’s a more severe crime
Theft is a criminal offense, with the penalties dependent on the value of the items or money stolen. But what happens if the item stolen was a motor vehicle, like a car or truck? In Missouri, motor vehicle theft is a graver offense than simple theft of possessions....
Catalytic converter theft – an offense more serious than regular theft
There’s more to car theft than just stealing the vehicles or any possessions left inside an automobile. Some individuals may instead target the vehicle's parts, such as its catalytic converter. Stealing a motor vehicle’s catalytic converter in Missouri is a serious...
The risks of too good to be true online deals
Finding low-priced designer goods, gadgets and other high-ticket items on online marketplaces is enough to make you double-take. The thought of snagging such a steal can be irresistible, but making the purchase could have consequences. For some time now, goods stolen...