Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Missouri divides criminal offenses into categories that include felonies and misdemeanors, but the label alone does not tell the whole story. Felonies generally carry greater potential imprisonment and broader long-term consequences, while misdemeanors usually have lower maximum custody exposure. Within each category, Missouri uses classes that determine the ordinary sentencing range unless a different statute,…

Police in Missouri may seize a phone in some circumstances without having immediate authority to search the digital information stored inside it. The distinction between taking custody of a device and examining its contents is important. A phone can contain messages, photographs, videos, location history, internet activity, account data, application records, and information about many…

An alleged probation violation in Missouri does not automatically mean that probation will be revoked. A court can respond in different ways depending on the condition allegedly violated, the evidence, the defendant’s history on supervision, the underlying offense, and the sentencing options available. Missouri law allows a court in appropriate circumstances to continue probation, modify…

Criminal charges in Missouri can sometimes be declined or dismissed before a trial, but “dropped” is not a single legal event. A prosecutor may decide not to file a case after reviewing an investigation, may dismiss a charge that has already been filed, or may reduce or amend charges during negotiations. A court may also…

Missing a court date in Missouri can create consequences beyond the original criminal or traffic matter. Depending on the type of case and the circumstances, the court may issue a warrant, change release conditions, forfeit bond-related security, or take other action. Missouri law also recognizes a separate failure-to-appear offense in specified criminal matters when a…

If police in Missouri want to question you about a crime, the legal significance of the conversation depends on whether the contact is voluntary, whether you are detained, whether you are under arrest, and whether the questioning qualifies as custodial interrogation. Miranda warnings are generally required before custodial interrogation, not before every conversation with law…