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...
Criminal Law
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...
What justifies a physical search of a person’s body in Illinois?
There are many ways to defend against criminal charges in Illinois. Sometimes, people provide alibis or investigate to uncover who actually violated the law. Other times, their lawyers can prevent prosecutors from presenting certain evidence during a trial. The...
Should you take your criminal case to trial?
It's no secret that a significant number of criminal cases are resolved through plea deals rather than going to trial. In fact, statistics show that the majority of criminal cases (about 98% in the federal system) end in plea bargains. The American Bar Association’s...
What is a motion to suppress in criminal proceedings?
During pretrial hearings, the defense may make a formal request to the court to exclude specific evidence from being presented in court. This evidence could encompass anything from seized items to confession statements. If a judge grants the motion, the evidence will...
3 reasons not to take a lie detector test
If you’re under investigation for any kind of serious crime here in Missouri, the police may ask you to take a polygraph test and “clear your name.” They can’t force you to comply with their request, but there’s no question that you’ll feel some pressure over the...