Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering any questions. Statements made during arrest can't be taken back and often become prosecution evidence. Contact a criminal defense attorney within hours to protect your constitutional rights during investigation and charging decisions.

Missouri automatically suspends licenses after DWI arrest through administrative action separate from criminal court proceedings. You have 15 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Missing this deadline means automatic suspension regardless of your criminal case outcome, so prompt legal response is critical.

Speeding 20+ mph over the limit, reckless driving, leaving an accident scene, and driving while suspended often carry criminal misdemeanor charges instead of civil infractions. Criminal traffic charges create a permanent record, possible jail time, and higher insurance consequences than standard citations.

Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age over 40, disability, or genetic information violates state and federal law. This includes hiring, firing, promotion, pay, assignments, and hostile work environment based on protected characteristics. Retaliation for reporting discrimination also qualifies as unlawful treatment.

Missouri requires injury reporting to your employer within 30 days of the accident or discovering an occupational illness. Missing this deadline can result in claim denial. Workers' comp claims must be filed within two years, but delayed reporting complicates medical documentation and witness availability.

Denied claims can be appealed through Missouri's Division of Workers' Compensation administrative process. Appeals require medical evidence, testimony, and legal arguments before an administrative law judge. Employers and insurers often deny legitimate claims initially, making experienced representation critical during the appeals process.

Misdemeanors carry maximum sentences under one year in county jail, while felonies involve state prison sentences exceeding one year. Felony convictions permanently restrict voting, firearm ownership, professional licensing, and employment opportunities. Prosecutors sometimes offer misdemeanor reductions during plea negotiations for borderline cases.

Workers' compensation is typically the exclusive remedy, preventing lawsuits against employers for on-the-job injuries. Exceptions exist for intentional harm, injuries caused by equipment manufacturers, or when employers lack required coverage. Third-party liability claims may run parallel to workers' comp for injuries caused by non-employer entities.

Compensation includes past and future medical treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life activities. Severe injuries may include permanent disability compensation. Documentation of non-economic damages requires medical records, employment history, and testimony about lifestyle impact.

Exclusive plaintiff representation eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures undivided focus on injured individuals' rights. The firm's experience includes cases against major drug manufacturers, farm machinery companies, ATV makers, and auto manufacturers. This approach prioritizes client advocacy over insurance company relationships that could compromise representation.

Felony cases involve grand jury indictments or preliminary hearings, extensive discovery, and formal trial preparation that misdemeanors may skip. Sentencing ranges are broader, enhancement possibilities higher, and collateral consequences permanent. Strategic decisions about plea negotiations versus trial carry substantially greater long-term consequences in felony matters.

Gather documentation showing the adverse action, emails or messages demonstrating discriminatory treatment, witness names, performance reviews, and timeline notes of relevant incidents. Complaint filings with HR and written company policies help establish case context. Prompt consultation preserves evidence before witnesses forget details or documents disappear.