If you have been charged with illegal drug distribution in the state of Missouri, it is serious. But if the charge is drug trafficking in the first degree, the seriousness escalates to a whole other level. Drug trafficking charges are some of the most serious charges...
Month: March 2023
A review of Miranda Rights
Most people are familiar with the phrase "Miranda Rights," which is the standard speech given when someone is arrested. The Fifth Amendment and Miranda Rights are often used interchangeably but the laws that make up what we know today as "Miranda Rights" are actually...
How felony murder differs from first and second-degree murder
Homicide is a very serious crime that comes with serious consequences. However, most people don't realize that there are different categories of murder, first-degree murder and second-degree murder (which also includes the concept of felony murder). Although both...
Can an officer make an arrest outside of their jurisdiction?
When local law enforcement officers are out on the beat, they are there to protect and serve the public. But just how far does that protection and service extend? Can an officer make an arrest if they are outside of their jurisdiction? In this post, we'll explore the...
Common defenses for sex crimes
If you are charged with a sexual crime in Missouri, penalties can be severe and life-altering. Depending on the offense, if you have previously been charged and convicted, and if the charge involves a minor, you can end up with hefty fines and prison time. However,...
Violent crime at the federal level
When an individual uses physical force against another person, Missouri classifies this action as a violent crime. The majority of these cases are prosecuted at the state level, but under unique circumstances, these crimes can become federal offenses. A federal...
Understanding assault and battery in Missouri
Some states define assault as an intentional act that causes physical harm to another, including making threats, or attempting physical contact, even if there are no injuries. Battery, on the other hand, is the actual act that inflicts the injury. In Missouri, there...
When can police search my house?
The Fourth Amendment protects Missouri citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. In most cases, police and other law enforcement entities must have a valid search warrant or other lawful reason to enter your home. Judges issues search...
Most Dangerous Intersections in St. Louis
You're hearing more and more about rising traffic injuries and deaths in the St. Louis metro, but particularly in St. Louis City. Recently, the St. Louis Post Dispatch published an article with an enlightening graphic depicting the most dangerous intersections in the...
What types of crimes is the federal RICO Act used to prosecute?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act) was passed in 1970 with the aim of eradicating organized crime. It focuses on “racketeering,” which comes to us from the Prohibition-era phrase, “running rackets.” However, the RICO Act is not limited...