Getting accused of trespass in Missouri can be unsettling, as it can lead to both civil and criminal liability. Trespass happens when someone enters or remains on someone else’s property without permission. However, facing a trespass charge does not mean you are automatically guilty. There are several ways to defend against such accusations and protect your rights in Missouri’s legal system. 1. Mistake of fact This defense might be applicable if you genuinely believed you were on public property, if the boundaries of the property were unclear or poorly marked or if you were misled by incorrect ..read more

Missouri remained among the states with no law against using a hand-held cellphone while driving until last year. While the new “hands-free” took effect last summer, Missourians have had a long time to adjust their behavior before actually being cited for talking or texting while holding their phone. Law enforcement officers won’t be ticketing people for the offense until 2025. Even then, it will be considered a secondary violation. That means that a driver will only be cited if they’ve also committed some other offense, like speeding. Even when the law fully takes effect next year, it will st ..read more

Technology is ever-shifting, and with the rise of the age of drones, capturing landscapes and scenic views has become a more accessible endeavor than ever. However, ensuring you fly your drone responsibly is crucial to avoid trespass charges and maintain safety for yourself and others. If you intend to use your drone without breaking any drone laws that could lead to trespass charges, you may want to carefully consider the following tips. Seek express permission from property owners It is against the law to fly your drone over someone else’s property without their permission. Before launching ..read more

A common misconception among many people is that disorderly conduct offenses are not serious. However, getting arrested for disorderly conduct can result in long-term implications on your record and reputation. If you find yourself facing disorderly conduct charges, knowing what to expect can help you approach the legal process more effectively and allow you to make informed decisions about your defense strategy. Prior convictions can lead to elevated penalties If you have a history of prior convictions for disorderly conduct or related offenses, such as public intoxication or disturbing the p ..read more

It’s never smart to leave the scene of a vehicle crash without at least checking to see what kind of damage or injuries to others occurred. Unfortunately, people do it all too often. Sometimes, they simply panic – especially if they know they were in the wrong. In some cases, they have other legal issues or traffic violations and don’t want to deal with law enforcement. They may even tell themselves they didn’t actually hit anything. What’s important to know is that leaving the scene of an accident – no matter who caused it – can have serious legal consequences regardless of which side of the ..read more

A large part of the role of police officers is to maintain the peace. The public has a right to go about their day without feeling threatened or disturbed. This includes in public places, such as restaurants and bars.  Consequently, the state of Missouri has legislation in place that prevents disorderly conduct. But what exactly is disorderly conduct?  Drunk and disorderly conduct  Many disorderly conduct cases stem from the use of alcohol. Alcohol can change a person’s temperament, impair their judgment and cause them to act in ways that they otherwise wouldn’t. For the most pa ..read more

Most people don’t think about what legally makes an action “assault” until they find themselves facing an assault charge. Many states – including Kansas – recognize two separate offenses of assault and battery. In Missouri, there is no offense called “battery.” Actions that would be considered battery in other states fall under assault in this state. However, Missouri does recognize four “degrees” of assault. Each involves specified actions and circumstances. First-degree assault This is the most serious. It involves trying to kill or “knowingly causing/attempting to cause serious physical inj ..read more

If the police charge you with driving under the influence (DUI), you can either fight the charge of accept it by pleading guilty. Many people just accept such charges without even trying to mount a defense. While that can seem like the easy option if you expect a court to convict you (perhaps because you realize you drank too much before driving), it’s crucial not to plead guilty to a charge without considering the full consequences of a DUI conviction. First comes the court-ordered punishment Court-ordered sentencing can include license suspensions, fines, ignition interlock devices, vehicle ..read more

If you’re thinking of traveling to visit Kansas City – perhaps to watch a Kansas City Chiefs game – you may be thinking of bringing marijuana with you. Perhaps you’re from a nearby state like Illinois or Michigan, where marijuana is completely legal for recreational purposes. You want to bring it on your trip, but you’re not sure if you’re allowed to do so. There are a lot of different things to consider in this type of scenario, but the underlying point is that traveling with marijuana is sometimes prohibited. It’s important to understand when it is and what this may mean for you. The Missour ..read more

Some traffic violations are more serious than others. Someone who exceeds the posted speed limit, for example, would typically only need to worry about paying a fine. If an infraction leads to a crash, then there could be additional consequences. Yet, some traffic violations are so serious that the person accused is at risk of criminal prosecution, not just a fine assessed because they have to pay a ticket. Reckless driving is one such traffic violation, although state law refers to it as careless and imprudent driving. What constitutes reckless driving according to Missouri law? Reckless driv ..read more