KesslerWilliams Legal Blog
Can a guilty plea keep a defendant out of prison?
People facing criminal charges often catastrophize the situation. They picture the worst possible outcome and work themselves into a deep state of anxiety. While it is good to understand the reality of the situation, becoming overly emotional is not beneficial for...
What are the types of diversion courts operating in Missouri?
Many people accused of criminal activity may feel as though they only have one option. They presume that their only choice is between pleading guilty and taking the case to trial. While that is an important decision to make, there are other decisions that can lead to...
What happens during field sobriety testing?
If police officers believe that drivers are under the influence, they may conduct traffic stops. After talking to a driver, they may ask the motorist to perform field sobriety tests. Officers ask motorists to step out of their vehicles and follow a series of...
Am I eligible for an expungement?
Some people in Missouri get arrested because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even those who insist they are innocent may plead guilty to charges. They often do so out of concern regarding the penalties the courts might impose or the expense involved in...
Orders of protection are possible after domestic violence
Domestic violence is a serious matter. When things may turn physical, a victim must take steps to protect themselves from further attacks. Obtaining an order of protection in Missouri gives victims a legal backing to keep their attacker away from them. After it’s...
Stress mitigation: Unexpected benefits of hiring a defense lawyer
A person who’s facing criminal charges has a lot of things to consider. They need to prepare for their court hearings and may need to prepare for how they will handle the penalties they’ll have to deal with if they’re convicted. While many focus on the ways an...
Can weapons and voting rights be restored after a felony?
Felony crimes in Missouri result in more serious consequences than misdemeanor offenses do. In general, the courts can impose harsher penalties for a felony offense than a misdemeanor crime. A person who pleads guilty or gets convicted of a felony may face more time...
How often are gun charges dropped?
Both Missouri state statutes and federal laws have rules for firearm owners. Small mistakes, like letting a permit lapse, could potentially lead to someone's arrest and prosecution. The laws change over time, meaning that someone who is once compliant might...
What does “mitigation” mean in Federal Court?
In the federal court system, mitigation refers to the process and factors considered by the defense to potentially reduce the severity of sentencing for a defendant. When a defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to a federal crime, the focus shifts to sentencing,...
The police want to get confessions. They may not ask you outright
Although whatever people say to the police could implicate them in criminal matters, people often feel confident about talking to officers. Many people want to cooperate with the police during an investigation, especially if they have no concerns about their...