Criminal Law

We have all seen media depicting a security guard patrolling around the mall or a jewelry store, or we have probably seen one in real life. Like any personnel enforcing the law, security guards are there to protect and serve, ensuring the safety and security of the business they work for. However, how much power do they actually have? If someone were to shoplift from a store, what can a security guard really do? Well, it might be more than you think. Remember, a Store Security Guard Is Not the Police Security guards are not police or law enforcement. They must not do anything to impersonate the police. They are contracted through an individual or business, meaning that while they [...]

Shoplifting, theft, burglary, robbery, and stealing are all the same thing at the end of the day, right? Wrong. Each of them is considered their own crime in Missouri and nationally. That being said, it can be essential to understand the differences in case a situation arises where you are being accused or facing a court date because of one. What Is Shoplifting? Shoplifting in Missouri is simply a form of stealing, and can be a charge anywhere from a Class D Misdemeanor to a Class C Felony, depending on the value of the items allegedly stolen. Missouri classifies shoplifting/stealing under four general categories: refusing to pay for goods or services, paying for goods or services with a bad check, [...]

While abuse is regularly seen as physical, emotional abuse can be just as dangerous, scarring, and illegal. It is important not to get emotional abuse mixed up with a simple spout you might have with your partner over who empties the dishwasher. If proper communication is done and it ends with both parties smiling and working together, it is easy to say that it was not an emotionally abusive situation. However, when certain lines are crossed, it could lead to emotional abuse and then a possible criminal offense. So, to keep yourself informed, no matter what side you are on, let’s better understand emotional abuse and its meaning. What Is Considered Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is more than a small [...]

Before taking your summer road trip, look at the laws within the states you will be visiting to ensure you are mindful of your rights. Many citizens travel back and forth between Kansas and Missouri for work or pleasure, and with these new laws in place, the last thing you want is to get caught up in the confusion. Recreational Marijuana Use in Missouri The newest law in Missouri was the legalization use of recreational marijuana. However, marijuana is still classified as an illegal substance federally. This means that any recreational use must stay within the confines of the state of Missouri. Even if you are to travel to a state that has also legalized marijuana, you are not allowed [...]

It is unlikely that anyone wants to get a letter asking them to report for jury duty. While it is a chore to some, it is a requirement by law. However, there are instances when someone might forget to go. When this happens, it is crucial that we understand our rights as citizens and what the next steps are. Fortunately, if you are ahead of the game, there are ways to postpone or reasonably excuse yourself from jury duty. If you get that letter in the mail, remember these tips. What to Expect If You Fail To Show Up For Jury Duty To be eligible for jury duty, you must be over the age of 21, a US citizen, clear [...]

Theft, also known as larceny, is one of the most common criminal charges. In Missouri, theft occurs when a person takes the property or services from another with the intent to deprive the owner without consent or by deceit or coercion. Theft can revolve around many different assets and can be seen as robbery, fraud, shoplifting, identity fraud, or embezzlement. Starting with a simple misdemeanor and working up to a class E felony, it is essential to understand the laws and what is at stake.

Evidence tampering occurs when someone tries to hide, destroy, or obscure the evidence to avoid legal consequences. This can be done by concealing, removing, destroying, or changing something before the trial. Evidence tampering can also be found within the courtroom by producing or presenting evidence that one knows is false or misleading to the case.

All fifty states, including Missouri, follow strict driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws and regulations to ensure the safety and accountability of motorists. Federally, the blood alcohol concentration level stated to be illegal is 0.08%. For many, this may make it seem as if you have a lower BAC; no penalties are given. However, with a BAC of 0.08%, that only allows law enforcement to arrest drivers immediately, with no need for additional evidence against the driver. However, a conviction can be given with or without a BAC level. Law enforcement must find evidence of impairment for a DWI to be given. Swerving, missing stop signs, running red lights, physical attributes, and other irregularities in driving laws can be seen as [...]

There are few things more terrifying than getting pulled over after you have been socially drinking with friends. Even if you have stayed within the legal limits, or have had several hours pass since your last drink, you can attract the attention of an officer with something as simple as a blinker-less lane change, or what could be perceived as irregular driving: driving too fast or too slow, turning indecision, or other actions that stand out. You could also just be driving at a time and place when officers are expecting drunk drivers. Regardless of how many drinks you may have had, and when you last had them, there are some basic principles that you should be aware of and [...]

While serving as enforcers of the law, police officers are not above the law themselves. When they fail to abide by the rules governing their actions, or infringe upon the civil rights of citizens, they can be held accountable. As an example, if a police officer is guilty of domestic violence, hit and run, or any other crime, a judge can sentence the officer to the same punishments as a civilian would face. The officer can serve time in prison, pay fines, and be on probation. This can apply to an officer’s actions on-duty as well. Arresting a person is a powerful tool for law enforcement. Arrests can be made when an officer witnesses a violation of the law, or [...]