You’ve probably heard law enforcement officers in movies and on true crime shows telling people they have the right to remain silent. This is a fundamental right that’s built into the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Fifth Amendment protects...
Criminal Law
When do police officers need a search warrant?
Interacting with police officers when they’re investigating a crime can be stressful. Learning about search warrants may help individuals to better understand and safeguard their rights if they ever find themselves in this situation. One of the most important things...
What constitutes a gang crime?
Gangs can significantly impact communities, and law enforcement takes these offenses seriously. Gang activity is often associated with violence, drug trafficking and fear. What exactly constitutes a “gang crime,” and how can you defend yourself if you’re wrongly...
Can alcohol impairment provide grounds for a criminal defense?
Violent criminal charges are among the most serious offenses prosecuted in Missouri. Assaults and homicides can lead to major consequences after a conviction and lasting social stigma due to a permanent criminal record. Those accused of criminal acts of violence...
3 mistakes that create a risk of tax-related criminal charges
Individual workers and those who run small businesses have to pay income taxes based on the revenue that they generate via economic activity. Some people go to great lengths in their attempts to reduce their income tax responsibilities. Those familiar with tax...
Have you been charged with a wobbler?
You can face certain criminal charges that are known as wobblers. This means that the severity of the charges can change, depending on the specifics of the case. In some cases, a prosecutor or a judge is tasked with determining if you should be facing felony charges...
Secondary consequences of criminal convictions
Criminal convictions can include a range of direct penalties, including fines, probation and incarceration. However, the repercussions of a criminal record often extend far beyond these immediate consequences, permeating nearly every aspect of an individual's life....
Do you have to open the door for the police?
“Police. Open up” is something you hear fictional law enforcement officers say all the time. What if you hear this for real at your door? Do you need to obey and open up? Or can you just ignore them? Generally, you do not need to open the door to the police, but...
Avoid these mistakes if you’re under criminal investigation
Facing investigation for a crime can be a frightening experience. As a result, some people react in ways that they come to regret. If you’re under investigation, some of the actions you might consider could lead to further criminal charges, ones that could stick even...
Driving While Black: Missouri’s dismal record of racial arrests
For the last 23 years, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office has been compiling reports that show how various police departments in the state handle traffic stops – and for 23 years in a row, the news for Black motorists hasn’t improved. “Driving While Black” is the...