Criminal Law
Verdict – Not Guilty!
Defending Against Six Felony Counts and the potential 82-Year Sentence Verdict – Not Guilty! Winning a tough trial is always rewarding, but some victories stand out because of the stakes. Recently, I defended a client charged with six serious felony counts, facing the potential of an 82-year sentence. The case required exhaustive preparation, strategic motions,…
Read MoreHow to Hunt on Private Property in Missouri
Under Missouri law, you do not automatically have permission to hunt on private property. Firearm season begins this weekend in Missouri. As hunters take to the woods, it is important to understand Missouri trespassing law. This is especially true because more than 93 percent of land is privately owned. This means very little deer hunting…
Read MoreHot Car Deaths and Missouri Law
Memorial Day, which will be celebrated on Monday, May 30, 2022, traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer. Summer, unfortunately, becomes a dangerous time of year for young children and cars. Hot car deaths typically occur during the summer months, but can happen anytime a young child is left alone in a vehicle. According to…
Read MoreSafe Use of Navigation Apps
For many parents, knowledge about new advancements in technology come from their children. Sometimes, however, even technological advancements designed to be helpful come with risks. Cellphone and GPS navigation apps are extremely helpful and can prevent many disastrous situations. Yet, the improper use of navigation apps can make driving on Missouri roads even more dangerous…
Read MoreMissouri Laws on Poaching and Illegally Possessing Wildlife Strengthened
Within the last year, Missouri laws on poaching and illegally possessing wildlife were strengthened. Section 252.042 RSMo., now requires fines for poaching and illegally possessing as follows: (1) Not less than five hundred dollars and not more than one thousand dollars for each wild turkey; (2) Not less than five hundred dollars and not more…
Read MoreDriving on Prescription Drugs in Missouri – Danger Awaits
Tiger Woods faces a DUI charge in Florida. The charge stems from his actions while driving on prescription drugs. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 10 million people aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of drugs during the year prior to being surveyed. NSDUH findings also show…
Read MorePerjury Under Missouri Law
“Perjury is a tough rap to prove.” –Richard M. Nixon The whole world seems to be talking about Ryan Lochte’s lies to law enforcement officials in Rio, and with good cause. His actions have overshadowed the games. He has further embarrassed his teammates, his country and raised the specter of the “Ugly American” again. Under…
Read MoreDoes the Existence of An Arrest Warrant Excuse An Unlawful Stop?
Does the existence of an arrest warrant excuse an otherwise unlawful stop? On June 20, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Utah v. Strieff, interpreting the Fourth Amendment’s search and seizure doctrine, and the exclusionary rule. The 5-3 opinion, written by Justice Thomas, held that evidence obtained from an unlawful police stop…
Read MoreYarbro Obtains Not Guilty Verdict
“Representative government and trial by jury are the heart and lungs of liberty. Without them we have no other fortification against being ridden like horses, fleeced like sheep, worked like cattle, and fed and clothed like swine and hounds.” – John Adams Article I, Section 22(a) of the Missouri State Constitution states that: the right…
Read MoreMissouri Right to Farm Amendment Does Not Cover Marijuana
Lisa Loesch, a Jefferson City woman charged with a felony count of manufacturing and/or distributing a controlled substance (marijuana), argued that the Missouri right to farm amendment barred the State from prosecuting her for allegedly growing a “small crop” of marijuana in her basement. In 2012, police discovered nine marijuana plants under grow lights in…
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