While most people in Missouri might never see themselves facing criminal charges, many also realize that there are situations where circumstances may compel them to act. The assumption is that in those scenarios, the law permits them to act in self-defense. Yet few...
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Springfield Criminal Law Blog
Teens sending nude photos to adults: the legal issue
Relationships with large age disparities come under fire for various reasons. Other parties violate the couple's privacy. Emotions flare up when a lover fails to meet expectations. Sometimes, these personal disputes might even result in child pornography charges....
Impact of a sexual assault charge
Facing any criminal charge can change your life, but facing a sexual assault charge can have far-reaching consequences, even if you do not end up with a conviction. At Wampler & Passanise, we understand how much such a charge can impact your life and want to help...
What is a terrorist threat?
The right to free speech is a cherished right in the United States. Still, you cannot expect the government to protect your speech if it causes great harm to others. One kind of speech the law will not protect is making a terrorist threat. The law takes terrorist...
What is healthcare fraud?
If you, a group of people or a company knowingly misstates or misrepresents something about the nature, scope or type of a medical service provided, healthcare fraud occurs. This often results in the insurer or company making unauthorized payments to receive a...
How does alcohol end up on your breath?
If asked to visualize a drunk driving offense, you might likely describe a person standing on the side of one of Missouri's many roads, blowing into a hand-held breath testing device. The details of such a scene may seem of little import to you until you actually find...
What are drug schedules?
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, drugs and other substances are separated into five categories, also known as schedules. Schedules are determined based on a few factors, such as the medical application of the substance and its abuse potential. ...

Money Laundering: Are you at risk?
Money Laundering: Are you at risk? Most thoughts of money laundering conjure up anti-hero leads of modern TV dramas, funneling money through businesses or “mules” for their latest scheme-of-the-episode. In the real world, money laundering is a serious problem....
The many forms of white-collar crime include mail fraud
Mail fraud involves a scheme to defraud for the purpose of obtaining money or property for something to be sent using the U.S. Postal Service. A federal investigation can usually pinpoint illegal use of the U.S. mail fairly quickly, but proving intent is more...
Could a new approach help prevent drunk driving?
For decades, government agencies and private organizations have worked diligently to try to reduce and stop drunk driving. With so many lives lost to drunk driving incidents, there is a need to find a way to successfully reduce them and keep them low. However, despite...