In Kansas City and throughout Missouri, law enforcement is vigilant about finding and catching drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence. DUIs are a common cause of auto accidents with injuries and death, so it is understandable that there is...
Empower Yourself, Know Your Rights
Andrew Christie
Blog
Legislators put a stop to self-defense law change
Self-defense has been a long-recognized criminal defense in Missouri. Under existing law, those who hope to avail themselves of this defense have to show that their actions were reasonable in light of the circumstances. In other words, those who use self-defense have...
Missouri crimes involving children
A sexual offense charge involving children can impact your freedom, livelihood, relationships, reputation or even where you live for the rest of your life. It is important to remember legal boundaries and that technology such as the internet can begin a journey...
Did your medical condition lead to drunk driving charges?
Although under the law you’re considered innocent until proven guilty, in real life police officers often assume guilt until you can prove that you’re innocent. This is frequently seen in the context of alleged drunk driving. Here, officers tend to assume that any...
Here’s why you should care about jury selection
A felony conviction can leave you facing significant prison time and a criminal record that can haunt you for years or even decades. That’s why it’s imperative that you do everything you can to protect yourself. While this certainly means crafting compelling defense...
You have rights during a car stop
Being stopped by police when you are driving can be very intimidating. Fear and surprise may accompany these stops but you need to think clearly and remember your rights. You must avoid making statements and taking actions that can have long-term and profoundly...
Options for challenging a breathalyzer test
Breathalyzer tests may form the basis for DUI charges, however, they may not always be reliable. Drivers who have been accused of driving under the influence should be familiar with the circumstances when they may be able to challenge the DUI charges they are facing....
After an accident: The possibility of prison?
Fatal accidents will no doubt get the attention of Kansas City’s law enforcement authorities. They will investigate carefully and, as part of that investigation, will probably try to determine whether a driver had drugs or alcohol in his or her system. They may also...
Should the cash bail system be eliminated?
It’s no secret that the criminal justice system is plagued with inequities. People of color are often charged with criminal offenses at a higher rate, and discrimination in jury selection and deliberations are very real. As maddening as that can be, there are areas of...
What can I do if a KC officer violates my civil rights?
Like other law enforcement officers, members of the Kansas City Police Department have the authority routinely to make arrests, conduct searches and do other things that ordinary citizens would have no right to do. However, even though they have some special...