Author: Twibell Pierson

As criminal defense attorneys at Twibell Pierson Criminal Law, we understand that the law must adapt to the complex realities of human behavior and the realities of domestic relationships. One such reality is domestic violence and the impact it has on the individuals who endure it. Battered Spouse Syndrome (BSS) is a psychological condition that…

The police didn’t read me my Miranda warnings! Do I win my case? What are my Miranda rights?  If you’ve ever watched a crime drama on TV, you’ve probably heard an officer say, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”…

Being charged with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri not only carries serious criminal consequences, but will also have far-reaching ramifications on a clients driver’s license. Specifically, they will be facing a civil administrative action by the Department of Revenue to suspend or revoke their license entirely. This can seem like venturing into the…

On July 13, 2023, a Missouri Federal Court ruled that a Missouri Expungement, under RSMo. 610.140, fully restores a person’s right to buy and possess a firearm. Before this ruling, a person who received a Missouri expungement it was unclear whether the Federal Government would restore individuals’ constitutional gun rights. However, in the case of…

An arraignment is the first formal presentation of charges to the defendant, who must enter a plea. The defendant may plead guilty, not guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, or no contest (nolo contendere). If the defendant refuses to enter a plea, the judge will enter a plea of not guilty on their behalf….

In Missouri, there are five different ways to charge someone whose actions have resulted in the death of another. Among the five different Missouri homicide statutes, important distinctions will affect the freedom of the accused and what defenses can be raised at trial.   First Degree Murder    Murder in the first degree is the most…

As with most legal questions, the answer is “it depends.” Hardly anything is cut and dry in law but understand that a hit and run can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. Further, the effect on your driver’s license is highly dependent upon which police department is issuing the ticket. Let’s take a closer…

No one likes sitting in jail. Often there is a great amount of anxiety for alleged defendants awaiting a decision on bond. Although it is seldom in your control, it is important to understand how judges set a bond, and how to be subsequently released on bail. Once arrested, an individual will be brought before…

In the criminal justice system, there are two different types of case dismissals, with and without prejudice. A case being dismissed “with prejudice” or “without prejudice” can be confusing to keep straight, but it can be crucial to your defense strategy. With and without prejudice are the formal legal terms for the different ways cases…

The short answer is yes. However, the process differs from an alcohol-related DWI. A different level of analysis will go into a DWI conviction for prescription drugs than will a normal alcohol DWI offense. Officers must decide if the driver is impaired by illicit drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, or a combination. Impaired driving is defined as when a person’s faculties are so reduced so that…