KesslerWilliams Legal Blog
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...
Does intent matter when sharing prescriptions?
It is generally neither legal nor safe to share prescription medications with others. Prescription medications are prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific individuals and medical conditions. Sharing prescription medications with someone for whom they were...
Facing federal charges for downloading illicit material?
The internet has opened up a world of information and opportunities in an increasingly digital age. However, it has also brought to light complex legal issues that many individuals may not be fully aware of. One such issue involves the potential federal charges that...
Drivers: Don’t try to talk yourself out of a ticket
People who get pulled over for a traffic violation often hope to avoid any actual consequences. Certain types of people, in particular, may think that they can talk their way out of traffic tickets. For example, historically, adult white men often report being able to...