Case Results
Criminal Trials
Attorney Joseph Whitener has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout his career, including the most serious felonies, misdemeanors, sex offenses, and other matters. Below is a selection of jury trial results.
State v. Derrick, 22BA-CR04783-01
Client charged with two counts of Murder 1st degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Domestic Assault second degree, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Client found guilty of one count of Involuntary Manslaughter, one count of Voluntary Manslaughter, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Domestic Assault second degree, and not guilty of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
State v. Collins, 23SL-CR06558-01
Client charged with two counts of Murder 1st degree, one count of Armed Criminal Action, one count of one count of Tampering with Evidence, and two counts of Felony Stealing. Client convicted of Murder 1st and Armed Criminal Action; acquitted of Tampering with Evidence, and two counts of Felony Stealing.
State v. Hayes, 22BA-CR05316-01
Client charged with one count of Rape 1st degree and one count of Tampering with a Victim. Client acquitted of each count.
State v. McDaniel, 1622-CR05128-01
Client charged with Murder in the 2nd degree and Armed Criminal Action. Client stabbed victim thirteen times, acting in self-defense. Client acquitted.
State v. Lee, 1722-CR03214
Client charged with Robbery in the 1st degree and Armed Criminal Action. Client's fingerprints allegedly found on vehicle stolen during robbery. Client acquitted.
State v. Yates, 1522-CR03882-01
Client charged with Murder in the 1st degree, four counts of Assault in the 1st degree, and five counts of Armed Criminal Action. Client acquitted of Murder, and convicted of Attempted Assault 1st and Armed Criminal Action.
State v. Montgomery, 1622-CR01659
Client charged with Assault in the 1st degree, four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st degree, and five counts of Armed Criminal Action. Victim testified that he was positive client was responsible. Hung jury. Case re-tried to a second jury, which also hung. Case dismissed thereafter.
State v. Halk; 1622-CR04692-01
Client charged with three counts of Receiving Stolen Property, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and one count of stealing. Hung jury.
State v. Carpenter, 15SL-CR06622-01
Client charged with receiving stolen property. Client convicted.
State v. Howard, 15SB-CR00070-01
Client charged with two counts of Child Molestation in the 1st degree. Client convicted.
State v. Edwards, 1522-CR03307
Client charged with one count of Robbery in the 1st degree, one count of Armed Criminal Action, and two counts of Robbery in the 2nd degree. Client convicted.
State v. Scott, 1422-CR04354-01
Client charged with four counts of Statutory Sodomy in the 1st degree, two counts of Statutory Sodomy in the 2nd degree, and two counts of Child Molestation in the 1st degree. Client convicted.
State v. Crook, 16MA-CR00253
Client charged with one count of Sodomy in the 1st degree. Client convicted.
State v. Gingerich, 12MN-CR00131-01
Client charged with Assault in the 1st Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree. Co-counsel with District Defender, Todd Schulze. Client acquitted of Assault, convicted of lesser-included offense of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 2nd degree. Jury recommended, and client received, one day in county jail.
State v. Morrall, 14AC-CR01399
Client charged with two counts of Robbery in the 1st degree. Co-counsel with APD, Jon Hoover. Client acquitted of each count.
State v. Hill, 14PI-CR00066
Client charged with Trespassing in the 1st degree. Client convicted after one hour and fifteen minutes of deliberation.
State v. Bozeman, 14SY-CR00066-01
Client charged with Assault in the 1st degree. First jury trial as lead counsel. Client acquitted.
State v. Irving, 14KN-CR00046
Client charged with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance. Co-counsel with District Defender, Todd Schulze. Client convicted, but granted a suspended execution of sentence and term of probation.
State v. Heimer, 12CK-CR00598-01
Client charged with Sexual Assault in the 2nd degree. Co-counsel with District Defender, Todd Schulze, Client acquitted.
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In addition to his criminal trial experience, Joseph Whitener is one of the most experienced attorneys in the state of Missouri representing clients in S.V.P. commitment cases under Chapter 632 of the RSMo. He is one of very few to successfully represent clients in these matters before a jury. Below is a selection of such cases:
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of W.B., 22SF-PR00196
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Client committed.
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of L.G., 22SB-PR0035
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Client committed.
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of W.P., 1822-PR00137
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Client committed.
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of C.M., 18SL-PR01844
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Jury unanimously found client “Not a Sexually Violent Predator.”
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of T.R., 17P8-PR00704
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Client committed.
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of D.J., 17RA-PR00082
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Client committed.
In the Matter of the Care and Treatment of D.B., 15P8-PR00702
Petition filed by State to commit client to the Department of Mental Health indefinitely as a Sexually Violent Predator. Jury deliberated three and a half hours, rejecting State's principal claim that client suffered from Sexual Sadism. Client committed.
Selected Probate, Civil and Family Matters
Attorney James Beal was licensed in 2006 and over the course of his career has represented thousands of clients in probate, civil, estate, and family law matters. He has handled hundreds of bench trials in the area of mental health / involuntary civil commitment, guardianship cases for both adults and minors, contested custody disputes, and civil matters in the Circuit and Associate Circuit divisions of the Missouri trial courts. Below is representative sample of recent cases in these areas.
In the Matter of T.R., 26SL-PR00065
Contested adult guardianship case. We represented the Petitioners, natural parents to adult son with behavioral health concerns, who objected to guardianship. Over the course of the case, we were able to obtain sufficient medical evidence and testimony of the parents supported guardianship. Guardianship granted.
In the Matter of A.M., 25SL-PR03974
Represented Mother as petitioner for contested guardianship of adult son. Was able to secure assistance from LCSW in regard to placement concerns, and medical evidence. Successful placement ultimately obtained, and able to assist client to obtain needed federal benefits for her son. Guardianship granted.
In the Matter of C.B., 25SL-PR00933
DOC affiliated healthcare provider sought full guardianship of inmate eligible for parole. We represented the inmate/ Respondent. Case proceeded to a jury trial. Client found to have capacity; guardianship request was defeated.
In the Estate of L.C., 22SL-PR03011
Represented spouse of decedent in contested case involving corresponding criminal and civil cases associated with wrongful death / manslaughter. Successfully represented clients interests through favorable resolution of civil claims and mediation of matters in dispute in the estate case.
In the Matter of the I.J.M. Revocable Trust, 23SL-PR00383
Served as mediator and successfully resolved a long-standing dispute between beneficiaries and the Trustee in relation to matters associated with trust administration, fees, and other matters in dispute between the parties.
G.L. v. J.H., 23SL-DR01967-01
Court-appointed G.A.L. for a minor in contested custody battle involving allegations of neglect and abuse, drug use, and matters related to the child's placement and education. Successfully assisted in bringing matter to a resolution.
N.H. v. Z.H., 13SL-DR00914-06
Court-appointed G.A.L. for a minor in contested custody battle involving allegations of parental alienation, contempt of court, and issues related to the child's education. Represented the minor's interests through contested bench trial.
Kilper et al. v. Fenix Fund et al., 1722-CC11339
Co-Counsel with attorney Joe Bante; represented two real estate partners in their dispute with former business partner over the construction and sale of two luxury residential properties in St. Louis City. Case proceeded to a contested bench trial, and we prevailed. Our opponent appealed, and we successfully argued for upholding the trial court's decision. Were able to sequester the disputed funds in escrow prior to trial, and clients paid in full per the judgment.
Tate v. Bi-State Development Agency et al., 1522-CC10701
Co-Counsel with attorney Joe Frank, successfully represented motorist in personal injury case arising from vehicular collision with a Bi-State supervisor. Case went to a jury trial, verdict returned for Plaintiff.