While it is true that the standard outcome of a simple DUI case in which there are no aggravating factors typically does not involve jail time, it’s important to understand that every DUI is a serious matter, and the collateral consequences of a DUI conviction can often be much more damaging than the sentence imposed by the judge....
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Today, November 1, 2019, US News and Best Lawyers announced its “Best Law Firms” for 2020 and Bruntrager & Billings P.C. was one of those elite named law firms...
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It's important to understand, however, that many pranks that we cast aside as "kids just being kids" can actually result in criminal liability....
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For this reason, if you’re facing allegations of a violent criminal offense, it’s in your best interest to speak to a St. Louis criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. ...
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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. ...
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The lawyers at Bruntrager & Billings explain Missouri's "Good Samaritan Law" and how it applies to drug overdoses....
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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...
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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 SIS When a judge agrees to a SIS, they are suspending the issuance of a specific sentence for an...
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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 Consequences Many...
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A DWI conviction is a serious matter that can have wide-ranging consequences on every aspect of your life. If the police arrested you for drunk driving, you may be wondering whether you could lose your job, and the short answer is "yes." Missouri is an at-will employment state, which means that an employer may terminate an employee at any time, and for any reason, so long as the reasons for firing someone isn't prohibited by law. As a result, a DWI could certainly result in the loss of your job, so it's critical that anyone facing DWI charges in the...
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