Anyone who has been charged with a crime likely knows of the complications that such a situation can create. While the potential criminal outcomes of a conviction are obvious, many people also face personal and professional ramifications as well. In fact, a Missouri police officer has recently lost his job after he was charged with assault.
The incident that led to the man’s arrest happened around 10 p.m. on a day in late August. According to reports, the 30-year-old police officer, who was off duty at the time, followed his girlfriend and a man to a residence. Reports claim that the former officer confronted the pair in the backyard.
During the confrontation, the defendant reportedly poked the man with the gun and allegedly threatened his life. Police say that the second man suffered minor injuries during the encounter; the nature of the man’s injuries is unclear. The alleged victims contacted police who arrested the defendant hours later. The defendant was terminated from his position soon after.
In addition to the assault charge, the Missouri man also faces charges of unlawful use of a weapon and stalking. Although the criminal court presumes a person’s innocence, it is clear that an employer might not do the same. As such, it may be important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney during the earliest stages — in many cases before charges are even filed. With such a person on their side, people facing criminal charges often have more confidence in their ability to make the necessary decisions that they will soon be facing.