The consequences of a criminal record can be far-reaching, affecting individuals long after they have served their time. Thankfully, convicts have the opportunity to reclaim their lives through the process of criminal record expungement. Exploring the significant...
Criminal Law
Why fingerprint evidence isn’t as reliable as you think
Fingerprint evidence has long been considered a gold standard in forensic investigations. Its use in solving crimes dates back over a century, and it has played a major role in countless criminal cases. But, is fingerprint evidence really nothing more than another...
What not to do during a police encounter
The police are tasked with enforcing the law and investigating criminal cases. To do so, they have a number of powers at their disposal. For instance, they can stop individuals for questioning, carry out searches and make arrests. However, they cannot use these powers...
Was it a violent crime or an attempt at self-defense?
Acts of interpersonal aggression are against the law in Missouri. The details of the situation, including the consequences for the other party, will largely determine what criminal consequences someone may face if convicted of this kind of wrongdoing. If an incident...
Should you help a loved one who has been accused of wrongdoing?
If you have a loved one who has recently been arrested, you may be working hard to figure out how best to help them or you may be wondering if you should let them figure out a resolution to their situation on their own. Both responses to this kind of stress are both...
When can law enforcement use civil forfeiture?
The penalties for criminal activity are different depending on the accusations that someone faces. Missouri judges can send people to prison, order them to pay large fines or require that they submit to probation after a guilty plea or conviction, depending on the...
What is attorney-client privilege?
The concept of attorney-client privilege is one of the most important principles of the law. Attorney-client privilege is one of the most critical things you should understand when you’re facing any kind of criminal charge. When attorney-client privilege applies, your...
Criminal defendants: Stay off of social media for now
It’s vitally important that you take steps to protect your interests if you’ve recently been accused of criminal wrongdoing. If you are like most adults, you spend a relatively significant time scrolling and posting content on social media. This is understandable, as...
Risks and consequences from false statements to investigators
If you’re being investigated by federal authorities, your initial encounters with them may seem fairly cordial – particularly if they involve a “white collar” crime. You may be interviewed by people in business clothing rather than uniforms. They may even seem more...
What are the leading causes of wrongful convictions?
Since 1991, 54 individuals have been exonerated in Missouri for crimes they did not commit. Some served decades behind bars. In most cases, mistaken witness identification, false accusations, perjury or official misconduct led to bogus arrests and convictions. DNA...