Rose Legal Services Blog

In Missouri, if someone dies, even accidentally, during the commission of a felony, anyone involved in that felony can be charged with Murder in the Second Degree—even if they didn’t intend for the death to occur. This legal principle, known as the felony murder rule, can result in murder charges for deaths that would otherwise […]

At Rose Legal Services, we are passionate about second chances. And one of our favorite things to do is to expunge a felony from a client’s criminal record. Recent changes to Missouri expungement laws have opened new possibilities for those with felony convictions. Based on our extensive experience helping clients navigate this process, this article […]

If you’ve been charged with a felony in Missouri, you’re likely concerned about the serious potential consequences – substantial prison time, steep fines, and the loss of certain rights. But in some cases, it may be possible to get your felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. This can significantly lessen the penalties you face and […]

If you’ve been accused of rape or another type of sex crime in Missouri, you may be wondering about the difference between rape and sexual assault charges. The truth is, while people often use the term “sexual assault” informally to describe a range of sex crimes, there is no specific offense called “sexual assault” under […]

When facing criminal charges, the severity of the potential sentence can vary greatly depending on the presence of aggravating circumstances. These factors can significantly impact the outcome of a case, making it important for defendants to understand their role in the legal process. In this article, we will explain the concept of aggravating circumstances, provide […]

If you’ve been charged with a crime as a first-time offender in Missouri, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. The good news is that you have options, and one of the most common paths forward is through a plea agreement. At Rose Legal Services, our criminal defense attorneys have decades of combined […]

When you’re facing a felony charge in Missouri, the potential consequences can vary significantly based on the specific class of felony involved. Missouri’s felony classification system plays a central role in determining the range of punishments you could be facing if convicted. As attorneys who dedicate our practice exclusively to criminal law, we know how […]

As criminal defense attorneys in Missouri, we often get questions about how juvenile records, particularly felony adjudications, can impact a person’s future. Many people believe that these records automatically disappear once the individual turns 18, but that’s not always the case. Let’s take a closer look at what happens with juvenile felony records in Missouri […]

Sex crimes are among the most serious offenses in our legal system, carrying severe penalties and long-lasting consequences for those convicted. These crimes encompass a wide range of illegal acts, from sexual assault and rape to child molestation and prostitution. In this article, our criminal defense attorneys provide an overview of the different types of […]

A felony conviction can limit your freedoms long after you’ve completed probation or served your sentence. While some rights, like voting, are preserved in Missouri for those not in custody, other restrictions can feel like ongoing punishment. However, you’re not without options. Missouri law provides paths to restore your rights and reclaim your good name. […]

Criminal records can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from job prospects to housing opportunities. At Rose Legal Services, we’ve helped many of our clients in Missouri and the Metro East part of Illinois who’ve been arrested, charged, or investigated for a crime. Many are surprised to learn what actually goes into a criminal record and […]

If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to understand the importance of hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney. At Rose Legal Services, we have assisted thousands of individuals who have been charged, arrested, or investigated for a crime. Our team of attorneys is passionate about helping good people get a second chance and […]

If you are facing criminal charges, the importance of hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer cannot be overstated. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance, support, and advocacy throughout the legal process, working to protect your rights and secure the most favorable outcome for your case. In this article, we will explore the benefits of […]

A police interrogation is a questioning process by law enforcement officers to gather information about a crime or suspect. It can be formal or informal. It can occur anywhere: an interrogation room at a police station, inside a patrol vehicle, at the scene of an alleged crime, roadside during a traffic stop, at your residence […]

Have you ever felt weighed down by the burden of a past mistake, a blemish on your record that just won’t go away? Or perhaps you’re concerned about how a youthful indiscretion might impact your future. If so, you’re not alone. Countless individuals across Illinois grapple with the effects of criminal records, even for minor […]

If you’re ever busted for going a little heavy on the gas pedal, you’ve probably wondered—once you’ve stopped grinding your teeth and beating the steering wheel in frustration—how it will affect your permanent record. Depending on where you are, it can get a little confusing as to whether or not speeding is a misdemeanor or just an infraction.

When it comes to serious crimes like murder, the legal implications can extend beyond just the individual who committed the act. In Illinois, the concept of being an “accessory” to a crime means you can face charges and punishments for assisting or facilitating an offense – even if you were not the person who committed […]

When you have a misdemeanor on your record, finding a job can be difficult. Employers often conduct background checks, and a criminal history can raise red flags during the hiring process. However, having a misdemeanor does not automatically disqualify you from employment. In this blog post, we’ll explore how misdemeanors can affect your job search […]

Criminal offenses are classified into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. These classifications are determined by the severity of the crime and the potential punishments that can be imposed. In Illinois, the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony can have far-reaching consequences, affecting your future prospects and freedoms. Misdemeanors: Less Severe Offenses Misdemeanors are […]

If you’ve been arrested for drug possession in Illinois, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. The legal process can be confusing, especially when you’re facing the possibility of criminal charges. But don’t lose hope—there are strategies that can help you navigate this challenging situation and potentially get your charges dropped or reduced. […]

We all make mistakes. Perhaps you got into a heated argument that turned physical. Or drove after having one too many drinks. Or pocketed an item you didn’t pay for. While regrettable, these missteps seemed minor at the moment. But if convicted of a misdemeanor crime, the consequences can haunt you for years to come. […]

In Illinois, battery involves any harmful or offensive physical contact — and depending on the circumstances, it can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony case. The severity of a battery charge in Illinois depends on various factors, such as the circumstances of the offense and the accused’s criminal history. While battery is typically charged […]

A felony conviction can have significant and long-lasting impacts on your fundamental rights and civil liberties. Felons may permanently or temporarily lose the ability to vote, serve on juries, hold public office, own firearms, receive government benefits, and retain custody rights, depending on state laws. Understanding the specific rights you could potentially lose — and […]

If you’ve been caught driving on a revoked or suspended license in Missouri, you’re probably worried about the possibility of jail time. It’s a serious offense with potentially life-altering consequences, but with the right legal strategy and a proactive approach, you may be able to avoid spending time behind bars. In this article, we’ll explore […]

Clients facing criminal charges like domestic violence or assault often come to us hoping they can just “get the charges dropped” and make the situation go away. We understand this impulse. An arrest and criminal prosecution can turn your life upside down. The instinct is to want to make it end as quickly and quietly […]

It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare—the police show up at your front door to search your house and find illegal drugs. Even if the drugs don’t belong to you, you could still face criminal charges. But who exactly is legally responsible when drugs are discovered on a property? It depends. Determining who faces arrest and prosecution […]

For those with a criminal record, landing a job or apartment can feel hopeless. Every application asks the dreaded question: Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Even one mistake in your past can torpedo future opportunities. Fortunately, Missouri law allows people to expunge criminal records, in certain circumstances. Expungement is —a process where […]

As defense lawyers, one of the most common questions we encounter revolves around domestic assault charges. Domestic Assault cases constitute a significant portion of the cases we handle, and it’s essential to understand that these cases are rarely straightforward. In our jurisdiction, prosecuting attorneys’ offices often maintain a strict “no-drop” policy when it comes to […]

A hit-and-run is not something anyone plans for. In those split seconds after an accident, fear, confusion, or uncertainty may lead you to make a decision you never thought you would – leaving the scene of an accident. It’s crucial to acknowledge that it can happen to anyone, even the most responsible drivers. In this […]

The age of consent in Missouri is a topic that can raise more questions than answers. Age-of-consent laws are in place to protect minors from sexual abuse and exploitation and to ensure that individuals engaging in sexual activity do so in a safe, consensual manner. In Missouri, the age of consent is 17 years old, […]

Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with stones everywhere you go, weighing you down and limiting your opportunities. That’s what it can feel like if you have been convicted of a felony in Missouri. A felony conviction may haunt you for years, affecting various aspects of your life, including employment, housing, and even personal relationships. […]

The world of law and order can be confusing, especially when it comes to classifying different types of criminal offenses. Three terms that are often used interchangeably yet distinctly different are murder, manslaughter, and homicide. Murder is perhaps the most well-known of these three terms and refers to unlawfully and knowingly causing the death of […]

If the police or FBI show up at your house with a search warrant, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights and interests. Whatever you do, do NOT consent to the search. If you consent, then you will waive your right to challenge the search in court later. Here’s what you should […]

If you find yourself pulled over by the police and they want to conduct an open-air sniff around your vehicle using a K-9, it’s important to know your rights and act accordingly. First and foremost, do NOT escalate the situation or resist. If the police are acting unlawfully, that issue will have to be litigated […]

Not all criminal defense law firms are created equal. So, how do you choose an attorney that will give you the best shot at success? What can you expect once you’ve hired one, and what does that process look like? In this article, we’ll explore what to expect when hiring a St. Louis murder defense […]

Nobody should have to face criminal charges alone, especially when it comes to something as serious as second-degree murder. It can be a daunting experience, and it’s important to know the role of a St. Louis attorney in such cases. A skilled St. Louis criminal defense attorney can be instrumental in defending against any type […]

Missouri residents have the right to protect themselves and their property from harm, but the state has strict laws governing using weapons for self-defense. Knowing when and how you can use a weapon to defend yourself can mean the difference between staying safe and facing criminal charges. In this article, we will discuss the laws […]

Weapons charges are serious offenses resulting in severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. For an individual to be found guilty of a weapons crime, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had intent, usually the knowing or intentional use or possession of a weapon. Without this specific […]

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees citizens the right to keep and bear arms. But what does that mean for those who face weapons charges? What rights do individuals have when defending themselves and their property? Understanding how your rights are protected under the Second Amendment is essential if facing a weapons […]

Felony criminal charges are nothing to bat an eye at. Not only does a conviction mean possible jail time, fines, and a criminal record but there may also be collateral consequences like losing the right to vote or bear arms. So if you’re facing a felony charge in St. Louis, you’re probably feeling the weight […]

Have You Been Arrested or Charged for a Marijuana DWI in St. Louis? Don’t Let One Mistake Destroy Your Reputation. Fight Back Now. Your future matters. Trust Rose Legal Services for fierce defense against criminal charges in St. Louis. Experience a strong legal ally on your side. Missouri law prohibits operating a motor vehicle in […]

Are You Worried About the Impact of DWI Penalties After an Arrest? High Stakes Demand Swift Action. Mitigate the Damage Now. Fight for your future. Trust Rose Legal Services for strategic defense against DWI charges and penalties. Put experience on your side. DWI penalties in Missouri are strict. Anyone accused of operating a motor vehicle […]

Being arrested and facing criminal charges can significantly impact your life—from your reputation to your personal relationships and even your freedom. Understanding what happens after you’re arrested—and the criminal defense process—is crucial. What are your rights? How do you defend yourself in court? Is there anything else that needs to be done before the trial […]

Driving while impaired is a serious offense with potentially fatal consequences. However, many people don’t consider the risks associated with driving under the influence of prescription medication. Can you be charged for operating a motor vehicle after taking certain medications? The answer to this question isn’t as simple as one might think. In this article, […]

Becoming a rideshare driver for Uber is a great way to meet new people, make extra money, and be your own boss.  Many people are drawn to this job because the requirements to be an Uber driver are not that difficult. In most cases, if you are 21 years old, have been a licensed driver […]

While there’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks, knowing your limits is essential. Impaired judgment behind the wheel can lead to an arrest, an accident, or worse, injury or death. If you’re planning on having even a couple of alcoholic beverages in one sitting, you should either have a designated driver or call a […]

A drug possession felony conviction on your criminal record can negatively impact several facets of your life. One mistake, one lapse of judgment, can create a lifetime of hurdles.  Criminal records are like a stain on your life. Even if you regret your crime and have served your sentence. You’re a changed person now, but […]

Fourth Amendment rights are some of the most commonly litigated protections in the U.S. Constitution. The question that often arises is, “Can the police search my property?”  According to your Fourth Amendment rights, your home and possessions are protected against unreasonable searches. But what exactly does that mean?  If you’re ever involved in any criminal […]

Knowing exactly how to deal with the police is more important than ever. Your behavior and conduct during that moment can significantly affect how your case is handled.  Although police misconduct does happen, the number-one thing you should do is comply with any orders given by law enforcement. Keep yourself and everyone around you safe.  […]

Most judges require offenders to complete community service hours as a penalty for their DWI. Community service is a valuable punishment, as it requires someone who endangered those around them to give back to the community. Physical labor also helps ensure the offender doesn’t make the mistake of driving under the influence again. Many DUI and […]

When you obtain a driver’s license in Missouri, you give implied consent to submit to alcohol screening if an officer pulls you over on suspicion of DWI. If you refuse an alcohol or drug test when asked, you face a one-year administrative loss of your driver’s license. This suspension, known as a chemical revocation, is considered […]

With a zero-tolerance policy in place, an underage DWI in Missouri is often easier to prove than an adult DWI. The conviction can stay on the driver’s permanent record. Juvenile DWI laws in St. Louis are strict. While the punishment for the first offense may not seem substantial, the following penalties could be life-changing. You […]

The Constitution grants you the right to a speedy trial. The Sixth Amendment reads: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial….” But what does this actually mean to someone facing criminal charges? It’s essential to understand the constitutional guarantee and state-specific laws regarding a speedy trial to understand your […]

Will a DWI show up on a background check? After an alcohol-related run-in with law enforcement, the results of your background check may no longer look as clean as they once did. The data that these background checks produce often depends on why your records are getting checked and who is conducting the background check. […]

It’s not hard to imagine the panic you might feel if you were ever pulled over for DWI. From the moment you see those flashing lights in the rearview mirror, you know your life is about to change. It’s never a good situation to be in, but by remaining knowledgeable of your rights and exercising […]

What Happens to Your VA Benefits If You Go To Jail? Veterans Facing Criminal Charges If you are a veteran facing criminal prosecution, it’s essential to start thinking about and preparing for the repercussions this can have on your VA benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs has the power to reduce or eliminate your VA […]

Getting behind the wheel while under the influence is never a good decision. Even if you think you haven’t consumed enough to hinder your driving ability, it is always better to play it safe and get a ride home from someone who hasn’t been drinking. Taking these precautions will help to keep you and those […]

It’s common for people to interchangeably use the terms stealing, burglary, and robbery. Although each charge often involves the unauthorized appropriation of another person’s property, they are distinct offenses with different definitions and penalties in Missouri. For example, you might hear someone say, “My house was robbed!” In legal terms, this usually translates to, “My […]

If there’s one thing you need to remember during an arrest, it’s that you have the right to remain silent. Regardless of the situation, once your rights are invoked, you do not have to say anything further. You will be given the opportunity to speak with your lawyer or have one appointed to you. Invoking […]

Missouri Domestic Violence Laws — Domestic Violence cases are complex and emotional processes for both the victim and the alleged abuser. In contrast to an ordinary assault, a domestic assault involves individuals that know each other, and are usually quite close. Whether it’s a family member, spouse, ex-spouse, or intimate partner — An altercation is […]

In the aftermath of a DWI conviction, you may have a lot of questions about what happens next. One of the most pressing questions for many facing a DWI conviction is how it will impact their return to daily life. The revocation of driving privileges can cause major disruptions to one’s life. The inability to […]

If you’re a typical driver, you get a bit frustrated when a police officer waves you through DWI Checkpoints. You comply because you have no choice. You talk to the officer and you show your license. You wait patiently while he sizes you up and sniffs your car for the scent of alcohol. If you’re […]

Insurance fraud is a form of stealing, and it is illegal in every state.  Occasionally such cases are prosecuted in federal court (where sentences tend to be much longer), such as when the losses are large and transactions occurred across state lines, like prepaid funeral scams, or fraud involving federal insurance programs like Medicare.  But […]

Missouri is well-known for having strict drug laws. The penalties for breaking these laws will vary from one case to the next and will depend on the types of drug charges someone is facing. The Six Most Common Types of Drug Charges Possession of Marijuana The most common drug charge is Possession of Marijuana, which […]

States suspend driver’s licenses for all kinds of reasons.  People generally expect that a driver’s license can be suspended for driving-related issues, like Driving While Intoxicated, refusing to submit to a breath or blood test when arrested for Driving While Intoxicated or accumulating too many points (or moving violations).  But did you know that 41 states […]

It is one of the most common questions asked of a DWI attorney: “If I am arrested for DWI, should I blow?” The number of drinks that would put a person’s BAC above .08% depends on their weight, sex, age, metabolic rate, recent food intake, and medications.

Arraignment is a serious affair that can determine whether an individual walks free, or faces full criminal proceedings and maximum penalties. Having solid legal representation can ultimately impact the time, cost, and punishments involved.

Vehicular manslaughter (also known as vehicular homicide) is defined as “the crime of causing the death of a human being due to illegal driving of an automobile, including gross negligence, drunk driving, reckless driving or speeding.” The victim may be a bystander, pedestrian, cyclist, motorist in another vehicle, or even a passenger inside the offender’s vehicle.

Getting pulled over for a temporary lapse in better driving judgment happens to the best of us and it is certainly no one’s favorite experience. Though the roadside police encounter may feel like hours, most general traffic stops only last a few minutes.

If you’re ever busted for going a little heavy on the gas pedal, you’ve probably wondered—once you’ve stopped grinding your teeth and beating the steering wheel in frustration—how it will affect your permanent record. Depending on where you are, it can get a little confusing as to whether or not speeding is a misdemeanor or just an infraction.

Conversationally, it’s not uncommon for the terms “attorney” and “lawyer” to be viewed as synonymous to one another. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between an attorney and a lawyer? Though common, is it technically accurate to use the two terms interchangeably?

A “hung jury,” also known as a “deadlocked jury,” is a jury whose members are unable to agree on a verdict by the required voting margin after extensive deliberations, resulting in a mistrial. It is up to the judge to determine whether the jury is “hung” or “deadlocked,” and the judge will make such a finding if he or she determines that further deliberations are unlikely to produce a verdict.

To prove a case of murder or manslaughter, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant unlawfully killed another human being. The difference in manslaughter vs. murder is intent, which is the distinguishing characteristic of all homicides.

Collateral consequences are legal, economic, and social sanctions and restrictions imposed on individuals with criminal records. They are “collateral” in the sense that they are not part of the judgment or sentence in a criminal case, like prison, jail, fines, or probation.

Governor Mike Parsons signed S.B.1 on July 9, 2019, which makes four new offenses eligible for expungement: Stealing, Property Damage 1st Degree, Possession of a Forging Instrumentality, and Fraudulent Use of a Credit-Debit Device.

At Rose Legal Services in St. Louis, MO, we recently won a felony case in St. Charles County Circuit Court based on Missouri’s new Good Samaritan Law. Our client was a young man in his 20s who has struggled with addiction for years, seeking treatment and relapsing several times.

Missouri made several significant changes to its expungement laws that became effective January 1, 2018. Many people with criminal records in Missouri are now eligible for expungement, even if they were not previously eligible.