Belton Missouri Criminal Defense Law Blog

Facing DWI charges can be an extremely challenging time. You might fear the punishment of making a mistake or are potentially unable to pay the fine. Fortunately, there are options, especially for first-time offenders.

One of the best things that you can do is arm yourself with knowledge. Understanding how to handle this situation and knowing what options you have can make it a less stressful process and put you in the best position to make the best out of a bad situation.

The trial of a Missouri man accused of murdering his wife and then burying her dismembered body in a shallow grave that was scheduled to start on May 28 has been postponed. The judge who set the new date said that the trial was delayed because negotiations with prosecutors were ongoing. The trail will take place in St. Louis County Circuit Court. The man could be sent to prison for the rest of his life is he is convicted.

Prosecutors say that the man killed his wife because she had filed divorce papers to end their marriage after 35 years. She was last seen alive in June 2015 just days before she was to appear in court. Police suspected that man had played a role, but they failed to discover a body or evidence of his involvement during extensive searches of the couple's farm and surrounding 35 acres of land. During an initial interview, the man is said to have given detectives permission to collect his DNA and search his cellphone, business and pickup truck.

According to research from Pew, a Missouri resident's view on the criminal justice system may be partially based on his or her race. Among African-Americans who were asked by Pew about their opinion of the criminal justice system, 87% said that it was unfair toward minorities. Only 61% of white Americans who took part in the survey said the same thing. Black Americans were also more likely to say that gun violence and violent crime in general were major problems in the United States.

In addition, black individuals were more likely to say that crime was a bigger problem where they lived. White Americans were more likely to have a positive feeling toward police officers compared to black Americans. White respondents to the Pew survey gave police a 72 on a feeling scale ranging from 0 to 100. Black respondents gave the police a 47 on the feeling scale, which meant that they felt neutral or slightly cold toward them overall.

Missouri residents likely know that DNA testing can be crucial in solving a criminal case. However, in 1984, DNA testing was not available to help a defendant create reasonable doubt. A woman convicted of killing her husband in February of that year is hoping that such evidence can help to prove her innocence. She is currently serving a life sentence as a result of that conviction.

The woman claimed that she awoke to a loud noise on the morning of Feb. 18, 1984. She also said that someone had grabbed her by the hair but had left because of her incessant crying. An investigation found a rifle owned by the family in a pond and in close proximity to boot prints. Those prints were from boots that the woman owned. Prosecutors also pointed to a life insurance policy as well as comments she made implying that she wanted her husband dead.