Do you have to provide DNA when arrested?

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law posted in Violent Crimes on Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Getting arrested in Missouri is not a good situation to begin with, but once you are under arrest, you may be subjected to uncomfortable situations. These include strip searches, fingerprinting and DNA collection. You may wonder about the last thing. Can your DNA be taken after an arrest? Yes, it is perfectly legal for law enforcement to collect your DNA upon arrest, according to NPR.

The U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling that you can have your DNA taken if you are arrested on a serious crime. Law enforcement may then put your DNA into a national database to see if it matches any unsolved crimes in the system.

3 examples of Medicare fraud

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

If you work at a medical provider's office, you probably know that fraud is running rampant throughout the health system. With access to Social Security numbers and addresses, it is easy to steal identities and money from people who patronize the provider.

You may find yourself in the situation where the police believe you had a hand in an attempt to defraud Medicare. Whether you have or not, it is a good idea to get an understanding of the signs police look for in trying to build a case of fraud.

Ongoing debate, controversy surrounding DUI roadblocks

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law posted in DWI on Monday, March 11, 2019.

We spotlighted a nationally prominent drunk driving-linked enforcement tool in a select blog post from last year. We noted in our September 4 entry that, "Not all states allow sobriety roadblocks within their borders."

Missouri does. And it is not exceptional for doing so, joining a strong majority of states that permit the practice.

Did a shoplifting accusation ruin your trip to the mall?

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Perhaps you went shopping for a dress to wear to your favorite cousin’s wedding. You visited several shops before finding what you wanted.

Someone claimed to see you walk out of the last shop with merchandise you did not pay for. What happens now?

Steer clear of police body camera errors

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Many states allow (or even require) police officers to wear body cameras while on duty. Body cameras preserve visual evidence at the scene of a crime. They also routinely monitor law enforcement interactions with citizens. Body camera footage shows an unbiased view of events between law enforcement officers and the public.

In Illinois, law enforcement personnel use body cameras under the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. If a member of the public encounters an officer wearing a body camera, it is not a threat as long as citizens follow practical strategies.

Cyberstalking and Homeland Security

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law on Monday, February 11, 2019.

Cyberstalking is serious. Whether harassment or bullying, any form of stalking another person can result in legal consequences. Under some state laws, cyberstalking can result in a class 4 felony. When a cyberstalker's actions result in a federal indictment, the government exacts severe criminal penalties and fines.

Many would-be stalkers have no idea their activity can escalate from a state felony to the level of a federal crime. The cyberstalker, if convicted, faces time in jail and significant fines.

Common ways to defend against drug possession charges

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Possessing drugs is a serious crime. According to Missouri drug laws, even possessing over 35 grams of marijuana can land you with a seven-year prison sentence. The criminal justice system is harsh against drug offenders.

However, if you face drug possession charges, it is not predetermined that the process will end with a conviction. You may be able to successfully defend against the charges.

3 common defenses against white-collar criminal charges

By Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law posted in Federal criminal defense on Friday, January 11, 2019.

If you face an investigation or pending criminal charge for a white-collar crime, you may not know what actions you should take. The first thing you should know is that allegations of white-collar offenses are widespread. According to Oxford Research Encyclopedias, the FTC saw over three million consumer complaints about such activities in 2015. If you are the target of such an accusation, it can be a confusing, stressful and intimidating process.

Dealing with criminal proceedings is never easy, especially if you believe you are innocent. Here are some potential defenses you and your lawyer may be able to mount to combat the charges against you.

Will U.S. Supreme Court rein in states' asset forfeiture powers?

By Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law posted in Drug Crimes on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

Should he have sold a described "small amount of heroin" to undercover police officers?

Obviously not. That transgression yielded a year of home detention and various fines for an offense involving a $400 sale of an illegal drug.

How to avoid a DWI this Valentine's Day

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law on Monday, January 7, 2019.

You should be careful any time you go driving on a holiday weekend. Over New Year's Eve, Missouri police had to contend with 127 DWI cases, 352 crashes and 112 injuries that occurred as a result of drunk driving.

Another winter holiday may result in more drunk driving cases: Valentine's Day. Many couples go out to drink during this holiday, but you want to be careful you do not end up with a DWI charge. Here are some tips for having a fun holiday with the person you love without risking a trip to jail.