If you have been charged with violating an order of protection, resisting arrest, or another criminal offense in Missouri, one of the most important strategic decisions in your case is whether you should testify in your own defense. A recent Missouri Court of Appeals decision serves as an importa...
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Missouri Criminal Appeals: Why Alibi Defenses Must Be Disclosed Early
When someone is accused of a serious crime, one of the most powerful defenses is an alibi—proof that the accused was somewhere else when the alleged offense occurred. But a recent Missouri Court of Appeals decision shows that how and when an alibi is disclosed can make or break a defense. In Sta...
Missouri Appeals Court Clarifies Limits on Drug Paraphernalia Convictions After Traffic Stops
Traffic stops are one of the most common ways criminal cases begin in Missouri. What starts as a minor violation—speeding, a broken taillight, or expired tags—can quickly escalate into a drug investigation, an arrest, and serious criminal charges. A recent decision from the Missouri Court of Appe...
Missouri Court Affirms Sexual Abuse Conviction: What “Forcible Compulsion” Really Means Under Missouri Law
A recent decision from the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, provides an important and sobering example of how courts analyze claims involving sexual abuse and the legal concept known as “forcible compulsion.”
State v. Rivers: Missouri Court Upholds Felon-in-Possession Conviction Based on Actual Possession
In State v. Rivers, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, affirmed a felon-in-possession conviction, holding that accessibility, visibility, and flight supported a finding of knowing, actual possession.
Koenig v. State of Missouri: Missouri Court Reaffirms High Bar for Rule 24.035 Plea Challenges
In Koenig v. State of Missouri, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, affirmed the denial of post-conviction relief under Rule 24.035, reinforcing the substantial deference appellate courts give to motion-court credibility findings and plea-hearing records.
Improper Searches in Missouri
An improper search in Missouri is an illegal search that violates an individual's constitutional right to privacy.
Missouri Expungement Law: How to Clear a Criminal Record and Move Forward
A criminal record can follow you long after a case is over—affecting employment, housing, professional licensing, and peace of mind. Fortunately, Missouri law allows many people to expunge certain criminal records, effectively removing them from public view and restoring important civil rights. U...
Removal from the Missouri Sexual Offender Registry: What You Need to Know
Being listed on the Missouri sexual offender registry can have lasting and severe consequences for employment, housing, family life, and reputation. For some individuals, however, Missouri law provides a legal path to removal from the registry. Understanding who qualifies, when a petition may be ...