Many jurisdictions draw an important distinction between assault and battery. In Missouri, however, both types of offenses are punishable as assault crimes. Statutory law categorizes charges with numerical degrees. A first-degree assault charge carries the most severe...
"RICO" stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations. The RICO Act is a law that levies both criminal and civil liability on people who the courts convict of certain activities related to interstate commerce. But what is racketeering? According to CNN,...
Missouri law establishes several levels of kidnapping. All these crimes involve restraining someone or preventing their movement against that person's will. Review the different types of kidnapping in Missouri and possible penalties when facing these charges....
Before conducting custodial interrogations, officers typically must inform you of your fundamental rights. Specifically, when giving you your Miranda advisement, officers must tell you about your right to remain silent and your right to have an attorney present for...
One of the most widely misunderstood areas of the law is criminal law. When it comes to crimes, procedures and punishments of the criminal justice system, many television shows and books skew the process. Unfortunately, many Missouri citizens start to believe what...
There are a number of reasons why you would want to appeal an unfavorable ruling after a criminal trial. For instance, you may feel as if a judge ignored Missouri law when allowing certain types of evidence to be introduced in your case. It may also be possible to...
Even though most criminal courts across the country are crowded places, you have a right to a speedy disposition of your charges. To clear their caseloads and move on with other matters, many prosecutors offer defendants plea deals. Judges tend to like pleas too, as...
If a judge or jury convicts you of a criminal offense, you are likely to face a variety of legal consequences. Courts in Missouri may have legal authority to impose a prison sentence, assess a fine or do both. Typically, you can gauge your legal exposure by looking at...
A person who is convicted of a felony may serve time in prison and, upon release, discover that his or her record follows him or her. Even those who plead guilty or no-contest to a nonviolent misdemeanor could experience problems that persist in life. Sadly, Missouri...
Inmates sentenced to time in federal prisons likely want to get a sentence below the recommended range. To reduce time served and allow for early release, some individuals may qualify for several programs that reduce the amount of time required to serve on an already...
