You know those law firms, the ones that advertise on TV every morning – the ones that brag about their toughness, their winning record, and all their success.

What happens if you call their number and they tell you that they are not interested in your case? This is usually because your case is difficult and they are not interested in cases that have to go to court. These TV law firms are looking for simple cases that they can quickly settle.

The Meehan Law Firm specializes in all kinds of injury cases, including workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, defective products, work injuries and dangerous and defective real estate.

We have over 28 years of experience in Missouri and Illinois courts, and we are often the lawyer of last resort. The Meehan Law Firm has won hundreds of thousands of dollars in verdicts and settlements on cases that were rejected by other lawyers or dropped when the going got tough. Don’t be fooled by slick TV advertising. If you need help, come to real trial lawyers at The Meehan Law Firm.

Unlike 17 states that have legalized or decriminalized marijuana possession, Missouri still classifies it as a criminal offense. The amount you possess plays a major role in the charge you might face.

If you are found with 35 grams or less, you will face a misdemeanor charge carrying up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. Possession of over 35 grams – about the weight of a single filtered cigarette – is a felony subject to up to a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. If you are charged with sale, trafficking or distribution of even 5 grams of marijuana, it is a felony punishable with up to seven years in jail and $5,000 in fines.

Why you need a lawyer

Notice the legal statutes for penalties read “up to….” Often, the difference between facing the maximum penalty and getting a lighter or alternative sentence is a good criminal defense lawyer.

While cities such as Columbia and St. Louis are changing laws to decriminalize marijuana possession, the rest of the state still upholds harsh penalties that can affect your future. The changing laws make it more important than ever to understand how the charges, location, amount and other specifics can affect your case.

Whether you face charges for a single marijuana cigarette or for trafficking more serious drugs, it is critical to your defense that you work with an experienced criminal defense team that knows the Missouri law cold. Contact the Meehan Law Firm to get started on your defense today.

Sources:

http://norml.org/laws/penalties/item/missouri-penalties-2

http://www.narcoticnews.com/Marijuana-Information,-Is-Marijuana-a-Narcotic.php

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states

http://www.drugscience.org/States/MO/MO.pdf

Fighting Back Against False Charges

One of the biggest criticisms of the legal system that addresses domestic abuse is the frequency in which false allegations of abuse are made to seek an advantage in divorce and custody proceedings. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations from a bitter spouse or ex-spouse, you need to take immediate counter-action. Start out by consulting a lawyer to help you with these critical first steps.

1. Avoid Conflict. When there is marital conflict, it is important to de-escalate any conflict.
2. Rely on witnesses. It is always a good idea to have independent witnesses available when events are planned that could result in conflict.
3. File for a reciprocal order. If the allegations of abuse stem from a particular domestic conflict, you may wish to file for a restraining order.

It is important to remember that although false allegations may be intimidating, they are often difficult to prove. Allegations of abuse can be generalized so that no specific dates or times are included. Charges that are too general or inconsistent will likely be insufficient in proving that abuse has occurred.

Protecting Yourself Against Allegations of Abuse

Instances of domestic violence will show up on background record checks, can harm employment opportunities or interfere with professional licenses or security clearances. That is why it is extremely important to be vigilant for the warning signs that allegations of abuse may be made and, if they are made, being aggressively proactive in contesting them.

The attorneys of Missouri’s Meehan Law Firm represent individuals who have been charged with domestic assault. If you feel you have been falsely charged with domestic abuse and would like a consultation on the case, contact us today at (314) 725-9994. At the Meehan Law Firm, your consultation is free.

Sources:
http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=6008, http://meehanlawfirm.com/domestic-assault-and-violence.html, http://family.findlaw.com/child-abuse/do-s-and-don-ts-false-allegations-of-child-abuse.html

U.S. Federal Criminal Justice System

The federal criminal system is in many ways like the state system, but it has some important differences that could impact the outcome of a case. One key difference is the United States Attorney’s office, responsible for the prosecution of federal criminal charges, has significantly more time and manpower to direct towards any specific case than would a state prosecutor.

Federal prosecutors also typically come from a better academic background and have more experience than state prosecutors.

Federal Criminal Cases

In a federal criminal case, the U.S. attorney represents the United States. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the U.S. attorney and decides whether there is sufficient evidence to require a trial.

After a person is arrested, a probation officer of the court immediately interviews the defendant and conducts an investigation of the defendant’s background. The information obtained will be used to help a judge decide whether to release the defendant.
The standard of proof in a criminal trial is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which means the evidence must be so strong that there is no reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

Because the federal system is often harsh and unforgiving, it’s best to have a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side throughout all phases of the case.

The attorneys of the Meehan Law Firm are experienced in representing individuals who are charged with violations of U.S. statutes and laws. Whether you’ve been charged with a minor or serious violation, contact the Meehan Law Firm right away to discuss your case.

Sources:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/print-edition/2011/12/09/rise-in-white-collar-crime-keeps-legal.html?page=all

http://www.expertlaw.com/library/criminal/federal_criminal_lawyer.html

http://www.uscourts.gov/federalcourts/understandingthefederalcourts/howcourtswork/CriminalCases.aspx

Defining Theft Under Missouri Law

A person commits theft under Missouri law by obtaining the property or services of another, with the intent to deprive the owner, without consent, or by deceit or coercion. In other words, you commit theft by taking something that doesn’t belong to you, if at the time of the offense you have no intention of returning the property.

Classifications of Offenses Under Missouri Law

• Class A Misdemeanor: If the value of the property or services stolen is less than $500, the theft is a class A misdemeanor under Missouri law.
• Class B Felony Theft: Under Missouri law, theft constitutes a class B felony if the value of the property or services stolen is $25,000 or more.
• Class C Felony Theft: Theft is classified as a class C felony if it involves property valued at $500 or more, an explosive weapon, or if the offender is a dealer in the type of stolen goods involved.
• Class D Felony Theft: It is a class D felony if a person steals an animal belonging to another person. A theft is also a class D felony if, within the previous 10 years, the offender has two or more convictions for theft-related offenses that occurred on separate occasions.

A High Price to Pay

Depending on the crime, guilty parties can receive anywhere from a $1,000 fine to fifteen years in prison. However, if you contact a criminal defense lawyer soon enough, you may be able to avoid criminal charges.

The attorneys of Missouri’s Meehan Law Firm represent individuals who are charged with property or theft crime. If you suspect your employer, a neighbor or other individual may charge you with property crime, contact the Meehan Law Firm immediately.

Sources: http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/crime-penalties/petty-theft-missouri-penalties-defense

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/theft-shoplifting-crimes-32639.html

Police Searches
You should be familiar with what the police are permitted to do during and after an arrest.  Many drug charges result from traffic stops, but the police often take their authority to the extreme and many times conduct illegal searches. Police are allowed to search your vehicle if you were in it when they stopped you.  However, you do not have to let them unless you or a passenger has a warrant or are suspected of committing another crime.

Sobriety Testing
Police are allowed to perform sobriety tests with the suspicion of being under the influence.  Police can question you, but you do not have to answer their questions, and you shouldn’t answer them if you believe you can’t answer without incriminating yourself.  You also do not have to submit to a test or sample if the officer asks you to, but it may make your defense slightly trickier.

If You Are Taken to Jail
You are allowed to use the phone at the police station. You should call a lawyer immediately. Once you have made contact with an attorney, you should not make any comments to the police. The attorney will speak on your behalf.  It is also important that before you say anything in an interrogation, you have your rights read to you.  When your attorney arrives, you may meet with him in confidence. Remember, the attorney is there to help you, not the police.

Retaining an Attorney
Even if you believe you are not guilty, you still need a criminal defense lawyer to prove your innocence. The Meehan Law Firm is a St. Louis based legal firm dedicated to defending individuals facing all levels of state and federal investigations and prosecutions. The Meehan Law Firm brings more than 23 years of expert legal experience in the field of criminal defense. We provide each client with devoted personal attention starting with your free consultation until your case is completely resolved. Our dedication is measured through honesty, integrity and extraordinary client services.

Next Steps
It is possible that, if charged, you may be eligible for the Drug Court, a unique program that allows you to avoid any criminal record if you complete an intensive 15-month drug education and rehabilitation program. Other offenders are eligible for probation, which also results in no felony conviction. Please contact our office for further details.
Sources:

• “Tips on What to Do If You Are Arrested or Cited.” Web. 23 May 2011. <http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=6466>.
• “Drug Laws and Drug Crimes – Free Legal Information – Nolo.” Lawyers, Legal Forms, Law Books & Software, Free Information – Nolo. Nolo. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/drug-laws-drug-crimes-32252.html>.
• “Drug Possession.” Criminal Law Center – Criminal Law. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://criminal.findlaw.com/crimes/a-z-drug_possession.html>.
• Mount, Steve. “The Miranda Warning – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net.” Index Page – The U.S. Constitution Online – USConstitution.net. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://usconstitution.net/miranda.html>.
• “U.S. Supreme Court Limits Vehicle Searches.” Lawyers, Attorneys, Law Firms – Find Legal Information. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=6982>.
• “Your Rights If Arrested.” Missouri Bar Association. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://mobar.org/0c22da34-c386-4125-a0a5-6ca55aeca460.aspx>.