Orders of Protection are powerful legal tools. They can remove someone from their home, bar contact with children, restrict employment opportunities, and carry serious criminal consequences if violated. Because of that impact, Missouri law requires courts to carefully apply the statute—and recent...
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...
When family property, trusts, and inheritance collide, disputes can escalate quickly—and mistakes by trial courts can dramatically alter outcomes. In Norris v. Lamm, the Missouri Court of Appeals sent an important message: courts must follow strict procedural rules before dismissing claims, espec...
When a loved one passes away, families often assume that if a valid will exists, it will eventually control how the estate is distributed. Unfortunately, Missouri law does not work that way. A recent Missouri Court of Appeals decision serves as a clear warning: even a properly signed will can bec...
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...
Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings are often emotionally charged, especially when family members disagree about what is best for an aging parent. A recent decision from the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, highlights how strictly Missouri courts apply procedural rules in th...
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.”
Family property disputes can be emotionally charged and require a sound, logical approach grounded in the applicable law to resolve favorably.
Every adult benefits from a basic estate plan, regardless of income or net worth. Estate planning is not just about what happens when you pass away—it is also about protecting yourself while you are alive and ensuring that trusted people can step in if something unexpected happens.
When a loved one can no longer safely manage their personal care or finances, families often find themselves facing difficult and unfamiliar legal terrain. In Missouri, the legal tools designed to protect vulnerable individuals are guardianships and conservatorships. While these proceedings are common in probate court, they are highly technical and require strict compliance with statutory requirements. Understanding the basics can help families prepare and avoid costly delays.
Accidents involving loose livestock on rural Missouri roadways raise difficult legal questions. Who is responsible when cattle escape a pasture and cause a serious crash? A recent decision from the Missouri Court of Appeals provides important guidance for both injured motorists and livestock owne...
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.
In Brown v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld summary judgment for the insurer, enforcing a UM coverage exclusion that limited stacking to statutory minimums for vehicles not involved in the accident.
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.
An improper search in Missouri is an illegal search that violates an individual's constitutional right to privacy.
When families disagree about the care and finances of an aging loved one, emotions can run high—and legal missteps can have lasting consequences. A recent Missouri Court of Appeals decision highlights how strictly courts enforce procedural rules in guardianship and conservatorship cases, and why timing and consistency matter when challenging probate court rulings.
Auto accidents occur every hour of every day. They are one of the most common sources of personal injuries. Drivers responsible for the accident are liable for any damages, whether that's personal bodily injury or property damage. Insurance payouts that are fair and adequate can cover the costs o...
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...
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 ...