When a person dies under suspicious circumstances, both surviving family members and the community as a whole wants -- understandably -- answers. However, in the haste to provide these answers, it may be easy for law enforcement officials to fail to address certain issues surrounding a case. For example, there are many unanswered questions after a man in Missouri was charged with murder.
What constitutes a misdemeanor in Missouri?
A misdemeanor, by definition, is a “lesser crime.” In contrast to felonies, misdemeanors are punishable by a fine and/or county jail time for up to a year. Offenders who are charged with a misdemeanor alone will not face a state prison term. They will also be tried in a local court.
Missouri man's DWI conviction is overturned by appeals court
When it comes to law enforcement officials, there are many in Missouri who are committed to ensuring that justice is served. Unfortunately, there are also those are who committed to obtaining a conviction regardless of the evidence in a case. However, there must be sufficient evidence to prove that a person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict the individual, despite any past interactions with the law. For example, it cannot be assumed that a person was DWI simply because he or she was previously convicted of doing so.
Murder, other charges filed in death of disabled Missouri man
When a person dies in a mysterious way, the demand for answers and justice is understandable. Unfortunately, as more time passes it may be more difficult to answers these questions and provide evidence to support speculation. Despite over a year passing since the discovery of a man's body, five people in Missouri now face charges, including accusations of murder, related to his death.
Missouri police claim family dispute led to murder
Families are complex. Often, emotions can run high and what may seem to be relatively minor disputes to outsiders can actually hold a great deal of hurt and anger. Unfortunately, police in Missouri believe that a dispute between two family members led to murder.