August 21, 2026
Can Police Ask for Identification in Missouri?
If a police officer approaches you and asks for identification, you may wonder whether you are legally required to provide it. The answer depends on the circumstances. Whether you must...
August 16, 2026
Missouri Personal Injury Claims: What You Need to Know After an Accident
An unexpected injury can change your life in an instant. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, truck collision, motorcycle crash, slip and fall, or another incident caused by...
August 10, 2026
What Is Reasonable Suspicion? Understanding Police Stops in Missouri
If you’ve ever been pulled over or stopped by a police officer, you may have heard the phrase “reasonable suspicion.” Many people assume that police need probable cause before they...
August 04, 2026
What Is Probable Cause? Understanding a Key Part of Missouri Criminal Law
If you’ve watched a crime show, you’ve probably heard the phrase “probable cause.” But what does it actually mean? Many people believe police need probable cause for every interaction with...
July 28, 2026
Can the Alleged Victim Drop the Charges in Missouri?
One of the most common questions criminal defense attorneys hear is: “The alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges anymore. Will my case be dismissed?” In many cases, the answer...
July 22, 2026
Can Police Stop Me Without Probable Cause? What Missouri Law Says
Many people believe police officers need probable cause before they can stop someone. In many situations, that isn’t the case. Under both federal and Missouri law, officers may briefly detain...
July 16, 2026
Can Police Order Me Out of My Car in Missouri?
Being pulled over by law enforcement can be stressful. If an officer tells you to step out of your vehicle, you may wonder whether you have to comply. In many...
July 10, 2026
What Happens if I’m Caught with a Fake ID in Missouri?
The State of Missouri takes the matter of fake IDs seriously, and a conviction can lead to steep fines and even jail time. Whether the crime is charged as a...
June 22, 2026
Most Common Injuries from Catastrophic Accidents
Serious traffic crashes often qualify as catastrophic accidents in Missouri, and there are a range of traffic hotspots throughout Columbia that are closely associated with dangerous accidents. Victims of catastrophic...
June 07, 2026
Can I Expunge a Criminal Record in Missouri?
Missouri law allows certain arrests and convictions to be expunged, but eligibility depends on factors such as the type of offense, the amount of time that has passed, and whether...
May 29, 2026
Will I Go to Jail If I Am Charged with a Crime in Missouri?
If you are charged with a criminal offense in Missouri, you will not necessarily face a prison sentence. Whether or not you go to jail will depend on the type...
May 17, 2026
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Missouri
Most car accidents in Missouri trace back to a short list of preventable driver behaviors, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to yield the right of way. After...
May 12, 2026
Will a DWI Affect My College or Job Prospects?
A DWI can impact your ability to get into a university or limit your employment opportunities. While a DWI will not result in an admissions committee automatically denying your application,...
April 30, 2026
Are There Varying Degrees of Assault in Missouri?
Missouri separates assault charges into several degrees based on the severity of the alleged conduct and the harm caused. Whether a weapon was involved, and the distinctions carry real consequences...
April 14, 2026
Do Domestic Violence Abusers Show Warning Signs?
Domestic violence allegations rarely come without context. In many cases, the situation is far more complicated than it appears on the surface and looking at the behaviors that typically precede...
April 01, 2026
What Happens at my First Court Appearance in Missouri?
Your first court appearance can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the criminal justice system before. The unknown is what creates the most anxiety and knowing what...
March 04, 2026
How Long Does a Criminal Case Take to Resolve?
The uncertainty of not knowing how long your criminal case will take is one of the hardest parts of the entire process. Some cases wrap up in a matter of...
February 18, 2026
Steps to Take If You Have Been Arrested
In the midst of being handcuffed, you may feel confused and even combative. Even if you are arrested for a crime you didn’t commit, it is important that you take...
January 14, 2026
What's the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Missouri?
The words misdemeanor and felony describe how serious the offense is and how the legal system will treat a criminal case. In Missouri, a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by...
December 20, 2025
Public Defender vs. Attorney
You have the right to an attorney if you’re charged with a crime in Missouri. That means you can work with a public defender or hire a private attorney. Both...
November 15, 2025
What Are My Rights During a Criminal Investigation?
The starting point of all criminal investigations should be that you’re innocent until proven guilty, which is a basic principle of U.S. constitutional law. Unfortunately, everyone under investigation knows they’re...
November 01, 2025
Do I Have to Speak to the Police if I’m Being Investigated?
If you are being investigated for a criminal offense, you are never required to provide a statement to the police. This protection comes under your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination....
September 23, 2025
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
The moments immediately following a car accident can be some of the most disorienting and stressful experiences in a person’s life. In the blink of an eye, your ordinary day...
August 11, 2025
Can Police Use Evidence from Your Phone? Know Your Rights
In today’s digital age, our smartphones contain an unprecedented amount of personal information. From text messages and photos to location data and app usage, these devices hold intimate details about...
August 07, 2025
6 Ways Defense Attorneys Challenge Drug Cases in Court
Drug-related charges represent a significant portion of criminal cases in the American legal system, ranging from simple possession to complex trafficking allegations. While these cases may seem straightforward on the...