Missouri Criminal Defense Legal Questions

Yes. However, I'm sure that liquid xanax exists. How do you know it was liquid xanax and not something else? (And no, you can't rely on the 17 year old's word that the vial of clear fluid he had was liquid xanax because he doesn't really know). The police will do a lab test and the discovery packet will show what it was. No matter what was in that vial, the teen could be charged as an adult with a felony. Even if what he thought was liquid xanax was just in fact water he could be charged.... Read More

Don't proceed without an attorney. It will not end well. You will seriously frustrate your future attorney's ability to fix the mess that you've created. It will end up costing you twice as much in the end in blood, sweat, tears, jail time in this case, and money if you try to save a few bucks by trying to do this yourself. Legal work is not DIY. Would you try to perform your own kidney surgery? No. Legal work is not easy, it's not intuitive, it's difficult serious work that requires a professional who went to law school, passed the bar, and knows what he or she doing. All you are doing by getting continuances for 3 months is irritating the judge. The judge is giving you continuances so you can find an attorney. You're charged with a C felony? Most attorneys do those for $4000. But if you are indigent (poor) I'm usually willing to work out deal with you, perhaps a payment plan as well.... Read More

Your best option would be to discuss your options with your probation officer, or the probation department at the court where you received the punishment. This is an instance where it is better to be safe than sorry, and possibly you can work out an arrangement with the probation personnel that will allow you to leave the country.... Read More

This would depend on whether this is a condition of a bond, condition of probation, or a full order of protection. To remove a full order of protection, a memo would need to be filed with the court to be dismissed by the petitioner. If it is a condition of a bond, or condition of probation a motion would have to be filed with the court requesting removal of that condition. If you need more specific information, please contact an attorney.... Read More

The fine or jail is not the worst thing that can come of getting a conviction for theft. It is the conviction on your record. This record is forever. Try to get a job. What employer wants to hire a thief? You want to get a lawyer and see if something can be worked out so that you end up with no conviction on your record.... Read More

On a felony case, your first court appearance is the arraignment. At the arraignment, you will be told your rights and told what the charges are against you. You will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. If you want to plead guilty you will be told what your penalty will be if you do so. At this time you can ask that the Public Defender to be appointed to represent you. If you do not plead guilty at the arraignment, the court will set a preliminary hearing date. The preliminary hearing is like trial before the judge to determine if the prosecution has evidence to show that a crime was committed and if you could be involved. If the judge finds for the prosecution, a date for the felony arraignment will be set. After the felony arraignment, there will be pre-trial dates to make sure both sides are ready and to see if a plea bargain can be reached. If no plea bargain is agreed upon, the case will go to a jury trial. If you cannot afford an attorney, have the Public Defender attorney appointed for you at the first arraignment. Do not go through this without an attorney.... Read More