Criminal Law

When someone is accused of committing a crime, the state has a certain amount of time in which they must press charges. This time limit is called a statute of limitations and can vary based on the state and the crime. These are the statutes of limitations for criminal charges in Missouri: Unlawful sexual offenses with a minor (under 17 years old): 10 years Fraud or breach of fiduciary duty: up to 3 years after the discovery Official misconduct: up to three years after the offense or public employment Other felonies: 3 years Misdemeanors: 1 year Infractions: 6 months The primary reason why the statute of limitations exists is to help make certain physical evidence and eyewitnesses are still available. [...]

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 [...]