If you're wondering whether police officers can take your phone, unlock it and access your personal information, they generally need legal authorization first. You have rights that protect you from warrantless searches, but specific exceptions allow police to bypass...
Empower Yourself, Know Your Rights
Andrew Christie
Blog
Can officers lawfully pat people down in public places?
During an encounter with police officers, people are often anxious about what might happen next. Many people want to prevent the situation from escalating into an arrest. They try to be as cooperative as possible with officers. In some cases, officers might engage in...
How fast will your BAC decline?
When it comes to drunk driving charges, one thing to keep in mind is your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Even if your BAC isn’t over the legal limit, you could still be cited for impairment if there is appropriate evidence. For instance, a court may determine that...
How can people utilize the right to remain silent?
People need to know their rights to make use of them. There are several important rights that protect people during encounters with law enforcement. After an arrest, individuals may want to make use of their Miranda rights. They have the right to remain silent and...
Is proof of impaired ability necessary in a DWI case?
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses are sometimes the result of collisions. Police officers frequently conduct chemical testing after crashes and may arrest drivers who fail the tests. However, quite a few DWI charges follow traffic stops rather than collisions....
What is reasonable suspicion for a drunk driving stop?
Police officers need a valid reason to initiate a traffic stop. Outside of checkpoints or an obvious violation of vehicle codes, the officer will likely need to have reasonable suspicion, which requires articulable facts suggesting the driver is violating the law....
What counts as an illegal search of your home under Missouri law?
The right to privacy in your home is one of the strongest protections under the Constitution. In Missouri, police must follow strict rules before they can enter and search your house. If officers ignore these rules, the search can be illegal, so understanding when a...
What are the penalties for underage DUI?
For individuals under the age of 21, being cited for driving under the influence (DUI) can result in significant legal and administrative consequences. Missouri enforces stringent statutes that prohibit underage individuals from operating a vehicle with even minimal...
Understanding Missouri’s law against firing weapons illegally
Some people might consider Missouri’s gun laws relatively lenient compared to other states. Nevertheless, violating the laws the state does have can lead to long-term consequences, including felony charges. One such law revolves around the illegal discharge of a...
Five key rights everyone should know in drug offense cases
Facing drug charges can feel overwhelming—especially when law enforcement seems to hold all the cards. Many people unknowingly give up important rights during encounters with police simply because they don't know better. Knowing your rights can dramatically change the...