NPR reported that 98% of criminal cases in the United States end in a plea bargain. For the remaining 2%, coming up with a strong criminal defense strategy is key. When facing criminal charges, it is essential to understand that your defense is crucial in determining...
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Criminal Defense
What does it mean to plead no contest?
If you are facing criminal charges, the prosecution will typically offer you three options. You could plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. Pleading guilty is admitting you did the crime. Pleading not guilty is either claiming you did not commit the crime, or you...
The difference between negligent, reckless and knowingly burning offenses
Because of the danger and unpredictability of fire, arson is one of the gravest criminal offenses. Not only can flames cause property damage and injuries (or death), but the resulting toxic smoke can also incapacitate and kill anyone caught in between. But arson isn’t...
The ignition interlock device is a key tool in DWI rehabilitation
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, about 28 people lost their lives in drunk driving accidents in the United States. This happened between 2012 and 2021, a statistic showing the seriousness of the country's DWI (Driving While...
The relevance of the 5th Amendment in criminal proceedings
The Missouri Highway Patrol reported violent crime in the state was down in 2023 by 39.10% from 2022, and the statistics show other crimes are also down. Even with that great news, many people continue to face criminal charges. Anyone accused of a crime has to be...
Defending against three types of involuntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter is a serious legal term that encompasses three distinct forms of criminal liability. Each form carries its own set of circumstances and consequences. Three types of involuntary manslaughter Below are the three specific types of involuntary...
6 mistakes to avoid after getting charged with a crime
Facing criminal charges is a daunting experience, and it is important to handle the situation wisely. Unfortunately, many individuals make common mistakes during this challenging time, which can have serious consequences for their legal proceedings. 1. Neglecting to...
Recording a film is a crime at the state and federal levels
Whenever a big blockbuster film comes out, it’s easy to tell how popular it is based on the amount of internet discussion it generates. Some of the most popular online content related to recent films are screengrabs or short recordings of iconic scenes in the movies....
Causation is not the same as correlation in criminal trials
Criminal trials often hinge on the misunderstanding of causation and correlation. Causation and correlation are relationships that describe how variables respond to specific actions or changes. Cause and effect are the defining elements of causation. It is a...
How does Missouri classify crimes?
When you face criminal charges in Missouri, it is helpful to understand how the classification system works. You may know about misdemeanors and felonies, but there are two other classifications. Plus, within the felony and misdemeanor classifications, there are...