If you have been accused of a drug crime in Missouri or Illinois, it’s vital to be aware of the fact that if you are convicted of a drug crime, there are certain collateral consequences that could affect you for years or even decades after your court-imposed sentence has ended. ...
Continue reading
The lawyers at Bruntrager & Billings explain Missouri's "Good Samaritan Law" and how it applies to drug overdoses....
Continue reading
Under Missouri and Illinois Law, when people are injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others, they are entitled to compensation for their accident-related losses. Here are some of the most common types of accidents we regularly see in our personal injury practice....
Continue reading
With Labor Day around the corner, many of us are planning our annual unofficial end-of-summer festivities. Whether you are planning on heading down to the lake for one last weekend on the water or plan to spend your holiday in the backyard with friends and family, it's important to keep in mind that, like every other holiday, Labor Day exposes our loved ones and us to an increased risk of injury.Some of the most common causes of Labor Day injuries are discussed in the material below. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case with a St....
Continue reading
As a car accident victim, it’s important that you are aware that most car accident cases never see the inside of a courtroom, but rather are resolved through the insurance settlement process. This process involves the victims and the at-fault driver’s insurance company reaching an agreement where the insurance company pays the victim in return for a release from any further liability.It's critical to understand that insurance companies are for-profit entities, and they make their money by paying out as little as possible on every claim they receive. For this reason, it is highly advisable for every car accident victim...
Continue reading
In some situations, a judge may choose to sentence a person who has been convicted of a crime to probation instead of jail time. Probation allows a person to live in the community, work, and engage in other "normal" activities, albeit with certain conditions. In the event that a person who is on probation violates the terms of his or her probation, it can result in serious legal consequences. Fortunately, allegations of violating your probation are just that – allegations – and the state is required to prove probation violations by a preponderance of the evidence, and you have the...
Continue reading
In recent years, attitudes towards the use of marijuana have become significantly more permissive, and many state legislatures have responded by decriminalizing the possession and use of the drug. In fact, at the time of this writing, 11 states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, and many observers anticipate more states will follow.Right now, Missouri does not allow the use of recreational marijuana, but many people in the state wonder whether the fact that many nearby states – including neighboring Illinois – have legalized weed will result in more stoned truck drivers on the road. After all, what’s to...
Continue reading
In Missouri criminal courts, you may hear several different legal terms that you may not understand. One common term that might be the source of confusion is “SIS,” which stands for “suspended imposition of sentence.” In short, a SIS is a common type of probation and disposition of criminal cases in Missouri, generally after a guilty plea. A SIS is different from a suspended execution of sentence (SES), which is a type of probation for more serious felony offenses.The Basics of an SISWhen a judge agrees to a SIS, they are suspending the issuance of a specific sentence for an...
Continue reading
Distracted driving causes thousands of serious accidents every year, and more and more states are passing laws limiting cell phone use in an effort to curb one of the main sources of distraction. Unfortunately, these accidents continue to occur and leave victims with serious injuries, simply because drivers continue to drive distracted.FOX 2 News is asking drivers to take a personal pledge to stop distracted driving. According to the new outlet’s website, it’s goals are to change behavior in St. Louis, prevent unnecessary accidents, and save lives. You can take the pledge to drive S.A.F.E - Sober and Free of...
Continue reading
When the state charges you with a crime, you can choose to fight the case against you or to plead guilty. The choice to plead guilty is an extremely important one and involves weighing a number of factors, including whether you believe you committed a crime, the strength of the case against you, and the potential consequences you are facing should you choose to fight the case. While an attorney can advise you as to the relative pros and cons associated with choosing to plead guilty or not, the choice is always up to you.Pleading Guilty Can Mitigate Your ConsequencesMany...
Continue reading