In case anyone missed this news, Missouri law enforcement will begin enforcing the new “hands free” law on January 1, 2025.  So, it is more important than ever to put your phones away while driving.  Penalties for an initial offense is an infraction and will be a fine of up to $150.  A second offense […]

Fentanyl is one of the most potent and addictive drugs currently accessible in the United States. This synthetic opioid medication helped replace traditional opiate drugs in medical environments. It is much easier to produce a synthetic medication like fentanyl than it is to manufacture a natural opiate drug made from opium poppies.   Fentanyl is […]

Are you unknowingly committing a white-collar crime at work?   Most people who break the law do so with obvious intentions. Someone who embezzles from their employer may go to great lengths to try to hide their illegal economic activity from the company.   However, there are also scenarios in which workers might unknowingly and […]

Digital evidence and white-collar crime defense If someone steals a car, it is a crime, and if Missouri police have probable cause regarding a specific individual or group of people, they can make an arrest. This might lead to theft charges.  Intellectual property, identity theft, fraud and many other issues comprise a different category of […]

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects your privacy. It is because of this Amendment that Missouri police must obtain a warrant before searching your vehicle, home, property or person. While there are times when the court may waive that requirement, in most cases, a warrantless search is a civil rights violation. If an […]

Missouri stiffens penalties for fentanyl possession Contention is rising between U.S. policymakers regarding a particular issue in the criminal justice system. It is well known that there is an opioid crisis in Missouri and throughout the country. Many believe that increased penalties for fentanyl possession will worsen the crisis and prevent people in need of […]

You’re driving along a Missouri roadway when you come upon a section of road where traffic is coming to a stop. You see police lights, multiple patrol vehicles and numerous police officers approaching various drivers. You realize then that it’s a DWI checkpoint — essentially, a police roadblock. You wonder if it’s even legal and […]

In 1931, the “Drunkometer” became the first roadside breath-testing device. Developed by Rolla Neil Harger of the Indiana University School of Medicine. Manufactured and sold by the Stephenson Corporation, the machine had motorists suspected of drunk driving blow into a balloon inside the machine. From there, it pumps through a solution. If alcohol was detected, […]

Being charged with drunk driving in Missouri is a serious offense. It can result in the suspension or permanent revocation of your license. There may also be fines that can seriously impact your ability to meet your other needs, along with the possibility of jail time and criminal convictions. However, there are legitimate means to […]

Lying to a federal law enforcement officer is a serious offense in Missouri with potentially severe consequences. It is a federal crime to make false statements or provide false information to any federal law enforcement officer, including agents of the FBI, DEA, ATF and Secret Service. The penalties for lying to a federal law enforcement […]