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...
Criminal Appeals
3 signs you may not want to accept a plea deal
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...
What is a sentencing enhancement?
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...
Do criminal records cause financial hardships?
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...
3 programs to reduce prison sentencing
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...
Brother and sister linked to delivery driver robberies
Federal prosecutors in Missouri have charged a brother and sister in connection with two armed robberies that were committed in Kansas City on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. Both of the victims were pizza delivery drivers. The 18-year-old man and his 22-year-old sister are...
Medication may impair your ability to drive
It takes concentration and coordination to drive safely on Missouri roads and highways. If you take prescription medication, there is a chance that you may lose your ability to think clearly or react to changing road conditions. Let's take a look at the types of...
Legal challenges can dismiss Missouri drug charges
A drug charge never is fun to face, but it can be handled and possibly dropped when the police make mistakes. Missouri criminal law affirms the accused is innocent until proven guilty and can challenge the evidence brought against him or her. Drug charges can carry...
Missouri criminal penalties rise amid civil unrest
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in July signed into law a hotly contested measure that greatly increases penalties for some violations of criminal law. The penalties are rising for second-degree murder and criminal acts that involve firearms or are gang-related. The new...
The elements of a proper search warrant
Missouri residents and others are protected from illegal searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Generally speaking, authorities cannot legally search or seize property without obtaining a warrant. If evidence is obtained illegally, it may...