In most cases, the police need to have reasonable suspicion to stop a car. This just means that they need a reason to conduct the traffic stop and investigation prior to talking to the driver. An officer may not know that the driver is impaired because they haven’t...
Empower Yourself, Know Your Rights
Blog
Is it illegal to give the police a false name?
Law enforcement encounters can be tense and confusing, leading individuals to make decisions they may later question. One such decision is providing the police with a false name. When you’re being questioned by law enforcement, giving them a fake name instead of your...
Is marijuana legal now in Missouri?
Marijuana laws are changing quickly across the United States. While the substance used to be illegal in all states and at the federal level, states have begun to legalize it for both medical and recreational use. It’s quite important for people to know how the laws...
4 things not to do when trying to avoid a DUI charge
Facing criminal charges due to drinking alcohol and driving can have devastating effects. The driver could, for example, have their license suspended, face fines or be incarcerated. Their record could stay with them for the rest of their life and affect their...
Do you have to open the door for the police?
Going to answer a knock on your door only to see the police outside can put you in a difficult situation. Do you have to open it to them, or can you just pretend you are not home? The answer is that it depends. If the police have a search warrant or arrest warrant If...
It’s possible for a breath test to be wrong
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a breath test is correct. Perhaps you were pulled over by the police on suspicion of drunk driving and you failed that test. Many drivers believe that there’s no way to fight a conviction after a positive test, because the test...
Don’t let a DUI ruin your holidays
Missourians are heading into the holidays with family gatherings, office parties and shopping. There will be plenty of opportunities to have a few drinks, but nobody wants a DUI (driving under the influence) charge for Christmas. Here are some things to remember so...
Is there a difference between being detained and being arrested?
Being stopped by the police can be an extremely frightening experience. The police have a lot of power to interfere with your liberty and potentially worse. That power is limited by the U.S. Constitution, however, and it's important that you understand your...
Is forging a prescription to obtain medication a crime?
Not all controlled substances are homemade concoctions; some of the most infamous schedule drugs also happen to be commonly prescribed medications. Things like alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), methylphenidate (Ritalin), morphine and oxycodone (OxyContin) are...
When is trespassing on an infrastructure facility considered a felony?
Critical infrastructure like water treatment facilities, power plants and telecommunication towers are closed off to the public for good reason. These facilities are responsible for many of the modern conveniences everyone enjoys, so it’s important to protect them...