Marijuana Laws in Kansas and Missouri
With medical marijuana becoming legal in the state of Missouri later in 2019, Baldwin and Vernon discuss what changes in the law may mean for you.
Workplace Discrimination
Workers can be discriminated against for a number of reasons by their employer. At Baldwin & Vernon, we've represented people who have been the victim of discrimination based on their gender, a pregnancy, age, disability, and race.
What is probable cause?
It’s important to know your rights to best protect yourself against unlawful arrests, searches, and seizures. Probable cause and the 4th amendment are essential components of a lawful arrest and should be understood to ensure that your case is diligently handled. The 4th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America states, “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Probable cause Probable cause refers to the amount and quality of [...]
Unemployment Law in Missouri and Kansas
When let go from your job, you can run into several problems when applying for unemployment benefits. Many employers will automatically turn down your unemployment claim regardless of the circumstance. If you feel like you have been let go because of discrimination in any form and your unemployment claim is turned down, you may need a lawyer to help get the benefits that you deserve. […]
Meet Baldwin & Vernon
Attorneys Kevin Baldwin, a former prosecutor, and Eric Vernon, a former public defender, work as a team representing clients across the Kansas City metro area in both Kansas and Missouri. We provide criminal defense, employment discrimination, and personal injury representation. As a team, we work together to prepare for trials and have found that their differing styles and outlooks are good compliments, and two brains and four hands are always better than one brain and two hands. In their first podcast, the guys explain how they met as rivals and turned into teammates.
7 examples of a hostile work environment
A workplace is legally required to be a safe and comfortable place to work, free from discrimination and harassment. While one-time annoyances do not legally constitute a hostile work environment, you are protected by law if the primary motivation for creating or allowing an unhealthy workplace is discrimination based on the illegal motive of your race, sex, gender, disability, religion or age. What is a hostile work environment? According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information. Harassment becomes unlawful when enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to [...]
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
What are civil rights and how are we protected at our jobs from unlawful discrimination? Most laws that regulate civil rights originate at the federal level and include the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Fair Housing Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, among others. When it comes to the workplace, it’s imperative to know the ropes of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This law forbids employers (with 15 or more employees) from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, religion (belief, observance and practice) or national origin. The term “sex” also refers to pregnancy, childbirth and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. This protection not only defends employees at their place [...]
5 reasons you should call your attorney first
5 reasons you should call your attorney first If you are being arrested for criminal charges, things can move very quickly. Before it gets out of your control, ask to call your lawyer. Calling your attorney at the beginning, versus later in the process, can be the difference between a strong and weak case. Here are 5 reasons you should call your attorney to ensure that your case is handled properly with your concerns and future as top priorities. You can harm your case Know your rights and invoke your right to remain silent. Anything that you say can be used against you, which can cause damage to your case. Even if you think you are helping your case, you [...]
The facts about pregnancy discrimination at work
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, if an applicant or employee is treated unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, the treatment is classified as pregnancy discrimination. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that discrimination can include any aspect of employment such as hiring, firing, salary increase or decrease, job assignment, promotions, demotions, training, leave, and health insurance. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Impairments resulting from pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, may be classified as disabilities under the ADA. An employer may have to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability related to pregnancy such as leave or modifications so that the employee can complete their job. Pregnancy discrimination [...]
6 examples of disability discrimination in the workplace
6 examples of disability discrimination in the workplace The Americans with Disabilities Act protects you from being discriminated against due to a past, current, or perceived disability. Disability discrimination in the workplace is against the law but unfortunately, that doesn’t deter all violations. Here are 6 examples of disability discrimination and its presence in a work environment. Firing a candidate because of a disability Employers are not permitted to make any job-related decision based on a candidate’s or employee’s disability. This includes hiring decisions, promotions, terminations, and other related aspects of employment. If an employer doesn’t hire a qualified applicant due to a disability, decides to reassign the employee to a lesser role, or fire him or her because of [...]