It’s one of the most emotional and stressful decisions anyone will ever face: whether to use physical force to protect yourself or others from an imminent threat of physical harm. But in such situations, does Missouri law require someone to try to retreat before using...
Month: November 2022
Fruit of the poisonous tree: What is it, and how does it impact evidence in court?
In legal terminology, the phrase "fruit of the poisonous tree" refers to evidence obtained by means of an illegal search or seizure. Under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine, if evidence was improperly obtained, it must be excluded from trial to protect against...
Types of violent crimes and common defenses
It can be scary and confusing if you have been accused of a violent crime. If this occurs, try to gather as much information as possible that can support your case. Examples include witness statements or videos from cell phones and surveillance equipment. Establish...
Can you get jail time for a drug possession conviction?
Missouri has some of the strictest penalties for possession of a controlled substance. While recently recreational marijuana use was legalized, that did not lessen the penalties for other drugs. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case and the defense...
Consequences of marijuana charges in Missouri under Amendment 3
The old laws surrounding marijuana will soon be going up in smoke. Beginning in December, Amendment 3 provides for the legalization of the sale of recreational marijuana by state-licensed dealers to citizens 21 years and older. (However, the first sales of legal...
What are the best defense strategies for an assault charge?
If you have been charged with assault, your entire life may be upended. Serious charges such as these affect both personal and professional relationships and could be contributing factors in child custody cases. Fighting these charges on your own can be overwhelming...