St. Louis Criminal Defense Law Blog
Understanding parental kidnapping
For the last three years, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported an average of over 7,250 missing children per year. Thankfully, law enforcement finds most of these children before the year is over. Not every missing child is the victim of a stranger. Many of...
How do standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests differ?
Missouri law enforcement officers sometimes request drivers to take field sobriety tests. These tests break down into two categories: standardized and non-standardized. Today we will take a look at the differences between the two. We will also look at why you are more...
What is the nystagmus field sobriety test?
If you were stopped by the police, especially at night, and the officer had any suspicion that you might have been drinking, he will have conducted a horizontal gaze Nystagmus test. According to FielSobrietyTests, there are hundreds of known causes of nystagmus. Some...
How well do you understand your Miranda rights?
You likely already know from watching movies and television programs that if law enforcement officers arrest you, they must “read you your rights,” meaning advise you of your Miranda rights. FindLaw explains that these four basic rights consist of the following: You...
Understanding Missouri’s stand your ground law
Whether you own a home or rent in the Show Me State, you want to feel secure when you go to bed at night. You also want to enjoy everything St. Louis has to offer without worrying about your personal safety when you are out on the town. If you encounter someone who...
Tax fraud and evasion: What you should know
It is not uncommon for people to make trivial errors when filing their federal tax returns. Confusing tax codes can make it complicated to fill out paperwork, especially if filing without the help of a tax expert. According to the Internal Revenue Service,...
Wage underpayment is common in corporate America
Wage underpayment involves shortchanging workers who are eligible to receive more money. This can happen in a number of ways. Employers may fail to raise employee pay to meet minimum wage requirements. Others may not receive paid lunch, maternity leave and other...
Understanding the levels of assault in Missouri
Facing assault allegations can be an overwhelming experience. When your freedom is on the line, it’s important to understand what charges you may be facing, and how you may be able to defend yourself against the prosecution. The degrees of assault A general definition...
Do felony convictions affect employment?
Many violent crimes are classed as felonies. Felony convictions have collateral consequences, which are negative occurrences that impact a former felon long after he's been released from jail. Collateral consequences impact housing, child custody, and social...
What should I know about field sobriety tests?
When pulled over in Missouri, the officer may decide to have you do a field sobriety test if they reasonably believe you may be under the influence of alcohol. The standardized field sobriety test focuses on your physical movements which alcohol can impair. Keep in...
