Blog Posts - myMOpd

Police say Flock cameras help solve crimes, but critics call them an invasion of privacy, PBS News Hour (Jul. 2026)

Very nice in-depth reporting on Flock cameras — which are ubiquitous in Missouri, including in St. Francois County. This is link to video. I’ll make separate posts for audio only and text. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/police-say-flock-cameras-help-solve-crimes-but-critics-call-them-an-invasion-of-privacy
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Not all alleged confessions can be used in court

This post discusses so-called “confession” cases and the importance of the timing — when the Miranda rights were read to the defendant.
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Alibi Evidence: Phone records

This post discusses use of phone carrier data to support an alibi defense.
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Dealing with a Suspended or Revoked License

This post discusses three (3) steps if your license is revoked or suspended.
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You do not need anything from your house or car after arrest!!

This post discusses the consequences of asking a law enforcement officer to fetch your phone, coat, medication, etc., from your home or car if you are arrested.
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Unlocking Your Earned Benefits: A Guide to the Missouri Veterans Benefits & Resources Booklet

This post discusses a useful online resource for veterans by the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) + pdf booklet.
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Evidence > PACKTRACK: K9 Digital Evidence (post 1 of 5)-Overview

This post provides an overview of my series of 5 posts on PACKTRACK: K9 deployment digital evidence.
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Updated MSPD Applications (paper)

This post provides links to updated MSPD applications (English and Spanish) as well as the link to the online application.
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Missouri DOC Inmate access to online MSPD Application

Inmates in DOC now have the ability to submit an online application for a public defender. Read this post for information about this.
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Evidence: Law Enforcement Agency Audit

This post provides a table of law enforcement agency (LEA) tools (e.g., which LEA’s have body cams, dash cams, etc.) in the St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve County area. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts. This is updated fairly regularly and the “post date” will reflect it.
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Other Public Defenders Covering for Me at Court

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Giglio Info-SFCSD #2 [Redacted]

The prosecutor is obligated under Missouri Rules (and the Giglio case) to provide defense attorneys with credibility information about witnesses including law enforcement officers (LEO). Although all this info is publicly available, I’ve created two versions of this post. This redacted post provides info about one former LEO who was recently convicted of assault. An…
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Missouri Department of Corrections Legal Mail (change – effective July 1, 2026)

The Missouri Department of Corrections now has system for electronic attorney client mail. This post is a memo on the system and transition from regular mail.
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Important Update: Child Support Arrears Can Now Lead to Immediate Passport Revocation

This post discusses a new “consequence” for some people who have not fully paid their child support; it included a free “gift” link to news story in the NY Times about it.
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The Judge’s Authority, Credentials, Oath, and Commission

This post is part of the “red flag” series of posts that address the risks of online research on the criminal defense process. Given some people might question the judge’s authority, this post discusses that authority.
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The Risks to Reliance on Red Flag Information

Helping your Defense Attorney Protect Your Rights (and Your Freedom) As I’ve prefaced each of my three (3) posts on this subject: When someone is facing serious criminal charges, it is not surprising they might want to do their own research and look for every possible tool to protect their future. And I never to…
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Navigating Overwhelming Internet (Red Flag) Info about the Judicial System

This post discusses the “red flags” of internet research regarding the criminal legal process.
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Grand Jury Indictment Required?

This post addresses a great question from a client who asked, “”How was I charged with a felony without a grand jury indictment?”
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Evidence: Taser Logs

This post discusses the evidence that should be available when a law enforcement agency uses a taser against a suspect. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Criminal Non-support & the Paternity (non) Defense

While most men facing criminal non-support charges for unpaid child support do not dispute they are the father; some clients express a desire to raise this as defense. This is seldom possible. What matters is the jury instructions: 422.08 CRIMINAL NONSUPPORT (If) you find and believe from the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt: First, that…
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How to Get Your Child Support Payment History

This post provides information how to get your child support payment history.
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Child Support: Make online payments

This post provides info and links regarding making child support payments online.
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Non-Support & Seeking to Modify Amount Owed Each Month

This post discusses modification of child support payments — which is something public defenders are not able to do.
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Giglio Info-SFCSD #1 [Redacted]

This post discusses a former law enforcement officer who is facing serious charges in St. Francois County. If he was involved in a defendant’s arrest (before May 2024), Giglio discovery is critical.
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Defense Attorney Post: Defending the Presumption of Innocence by Covering Facial Tattoos at Trial

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Pre-trial grooming while in custody

This post discusses pre-trial grooming of defendants in jail or prison.
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Evidence: No Missouri Mandate for Body or Dash Cams

Many people are surprised to learn that there are no videos of their stop or arrest. This post discusses the fact that as of 2026, Missouri does not have a statewide law that mandates law enforcement agencies to use body-worn cameras (BWCs) or dashcams. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Body & Dash camera mandates (or not) by state

This post lists different state mandates for body and dash cameras for law enforcement agencies. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: No Video Evidence from St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department (before April 2026)

Clients are always shocked when they learn that there is no video evidence of their stop and arrest by certain law enforcement agencies. One of those agencies with no body or dash cameras is the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department. This post discusses anticipated addition of body cameras to the agency. This is part of…
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SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring System

Depending on the charges, a judge may order Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (often called a SCRAM bracelet) as a condition of bond or probation. This ensures total sobriety, not just sober driving. This post discusses SCRAM monitors.
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Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

This post discusses the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a breathalyzer for your car. While continuous alcohol monitoring (like a SCRAM bracelet) watches you 24/7, the IID is specifically designed to prevent “hot” starts and ensure you stay sober while behind the wheel. It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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100 web-app posts!

This post celebrates myMOpd’s 100th post and reiterates the goal of this web-app.
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Evidence: Discovery of Giglio Material on LEOs

This post discusses a criminal defendant’s entitlement to what is called “Giglio material” named after a Supreme Court case; this material refers to any information that could impeach the character or testimony of a prosecution witness, including law enforcement officers. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Discovery after a Misdemeanor Information

This post discusses “discovery” (which means getting evidence from the State) after the State files a Misdemeanor Information. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Discovery after a Felony Information

This post discusses “discovery” (which means getting evidence from the State) after the State files a Felony Information in Circuit Court after the Preliminary Hearing (PH) (or waiver of PH) in Associate Circuit Court. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Discovery after a Felony Grand Jury Indictment

This post discusses “discovery” (which means getting evidence from the State) after the State files a Grand Jury Indictment in Circuit Court. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Discovery after a Felony Complaint

This post discusses “discovery” (which means getting evidence from the State) after the State files a Felony Complaint in Associate Circuit Court. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Gateway to Evidence: Case Types & Discovery

This post provides an overview of four companion posts about “discovery” (which means getting evidence from the State) after each “type” of State case filing (i.e., Felony Complaint; Felony Information; Felony Grand Jury Indictment; and Misdemeanor Information. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Informants

This post discusses the State’s use of informants.
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SR-22 Requirement for Reinstatement

This post discusses the SR-22 requirement for those with driving issues like a DWI, driving while suspended/revoked, lapsed insurance, etc.
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Evidence: MSHP Lab’s Bench Notes & Commo Log

This post discusses the longer and more detailed drug lab “bench notes” (vs. the short one-page “certified drug report.” This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: MSHP Lab’s Certified Lab Report

This post discusses the drug lab’s “Certified Lab Report” which identifies the drug(s) submitted by the law enforcement agency (LEA) and is admissible as evidence vs. the LEA’s “field test.” This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: MSHP Crime Lab’s Drug Chemistry Testing

This post discusses the Missouri Highway Patrol’s Drug Lag. This is where virtually all drugs seized are tested. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Laser Drug Testing

This post discusses one of the more reliable (but not infallible) field drug tests that law enforcement agencies (LEAs) can use. It is used in Ste. Genevieve County regularly. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Field Drug Tests

This post discusses what are called “field tests” of drugs by law enforcement officers (LEOs). These tests can give an LEO immediate indication of whether a substance is a controlled narcotic, but they lack the scientific certainty required for a courtroom conviction. his is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: Drug Testing Overview

This post provides an overview of five companion posts on drug testing. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Kindness: Quiet but Clear

As folks know, I there are two things I expect from attorneys: (1) ethical behavior in all we do; and (2) kindness. I intersperse my posts with those on kindness. This one is a PSA that impacted how I lawyer.
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Evidence: Special Depositions under Rule 57.03(b)(4)

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DWI Chronic & Habitual Offenders: 4, 5+

This post discusses the 4th and 5th of five (5) escalating legal classifications and penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri: The Chronic (5th DWI) and Habitual Offender (6th+ DWI). It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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DWI Aggravated Offender: Loss of Safety Net

This post discusses the fourth of five (5) escalating legal classifications and penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri: The Aggravated Offender (4th DWI). It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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DWI Persistent Offender: The Felony Threshold

This post discusses the third of five (5) escalating legal classifications and penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri: The Persistent Offender (3rd Offense). It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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DWI Prior Offender: Second Offense

This post discusses the second of five (5) escalating legal classifications and penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri: The Prior Offender (2nd offense). It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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DWI First Offense: It’s not just a ticket

This post discusses the first of five (5) escalating legal classifications and penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri: The First DWI offense. It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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DWI: Overview

This overview outlines the escalating legal classifications and penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri as of 2025-2026. There are five (5) subsequent posts on each level. It is part of the DWI series of posts.
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30 “Dangerous Felonies” in Missouri

“Dangerous felonies are defined by law in Missouri in RSMo 556.061(19). The relevance of this definition matters a number of contexts including: whether someone is a “persistent felony offender” parole eligibility (i.e., those convicted of a “dangerous felony” must serve 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility. Here is the full list in the statute:…
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Costs: Jury Costs

This post discusses jury costs that a convicted defendant might be ordered to pay.
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Restitution Payments (St. Francois County)

“Restitution” is money payments to make a victim “whole.” This might be for damages property, medical payments, etc. It is not a “fine” for punishment. This post discusses how to pay restitution in St. Francois County. This is part of the “end-of-legal-representation” series of posts.
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Restitution Payments in Ste Gen Co

“Restitution” is money payments to make a victim “whole.” This might be for damages property, medical payments, etc. It is not a “fine” for punishment. This post discusses how to pay restitution in Ste. Genevieve County. This is part of the “end-of-legal-representation” series of posts.
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Step-by-Step > Pay Court Costs Online*

This post discusses paying “court costs” online — costs which most criminal defendants must pay. This is part of the “end-of-legal-representation” series of posts.
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Evidence: Private Surveillance as Legal Evidence

This post discusses private (non-government) surveillance evidence. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: 911 Calls

A number of arrests are initiated by a 911 call. Such calls can provide useful evidence for the prosecutor and the criminal defendant. This post discusses 911 calls. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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“They didn’t read me my Miranda Rights!?”

This post discusses a common question I get from clients “they did not read me my Miranda rights… will my charges be dismissed because of they violated my constitutional rights?
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Evidence: Surveillance on the Rise: Mapping Flock ALPR Cameras in the Area

This post provides a map and link to flock cameras that are posted on the website Deflock.
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Civil Attorneys

A public defender does not do “civil” (non-criminal) cases. This post discusses some options for those who might need a civil attorney.
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Time Served Credit

This post answers a common and great question, “if someone spends any time in jail before they are sentenced, do they get credit for that time?”
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SATOP Statutes & Reinstatement

This post discusses the Missouri Law regrading SATOP (Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program). This post is more legal; there is a separate post regarding the process, costs, and steps of SATOP (link at the bottom of this post)
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Driver Improvement Program (DIP)

Sometimes a person’s probation terms include doing a Missouri Driver Improvement Program (DIP) course. But this post suggests a “twist” — you might consider asking for the opportunity to do DIP!?!
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Stop the questioning

This post discusses the importance of stopping any interrogation or questioning by law enforcement and remaining silent and invoking your Miranda Rights.
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Summary: Prior & Persistent Offenders

This post is a summary of the recent “prior” and “persistent” posts from the past two weeks of posts.
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Category V: “Persistent Drug Offender”-2x Enhancement

This post is the fifth of five categories of “prior” and “persistent” posts — “Persistent Drug Offender.” This is applicable to someone who has someone who has been found guilty of two or more felony offenses relating to controlled substances.
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Category IV: “Prior Drug Offender”-Quicker Sentence Enhancement

This post is the fourth of five categories of “prior” and “persistent” posts — “Prior Drug Offender” This is applicable to someone facing a felony drug charge who someone who has been found guilty of any felony offense related to controlled substances before.
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Category III: “Persistent [Felony] Offender”-Enhanced Prison Sentences

This post is a the third of five categories of “prior” and “persistent” posts — “Persistent [Felony] Offender.” This is applicable to someone facing a felony charge if either: (1) they have been found guilty of two or more felonies committed at different times; or (2) they have been previously found guilty of any (of…
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Category II: “Prior Offender” Status — Why One Felony Matters

This post is the second of five categories of “prior” and “persistent” posts — “Prior [Felony] Offender.” This is applicable to someone who has been previously found guilty of a felony.
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Category I: “Persistent Misdemeanor Offender”-Impact in felony cases

This post is the first of five categories of “prior” and “persistent” posts — “Persistent Misdemeanor Offender.” This is applicable to someone who has been found guilty of two or more A or B misdemeanors.
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Overview: Prior & Persistent Offenders

This post is an overview of the five categories of “prior” and “persistent” posts and a preview for the series of posts on this subject.
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Evidence: Dispatch Audio

This post discusses dispatch audio which can can be used in someone’s criminal defense. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: CAD (Dispatch) Records

This post discusses Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) reports. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: MULES Reports-Behind Every Traffic Stop

This post discusses one piece of evidence that should exist for any traffic charge or arrest made after a traffic stop. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Evidence: SFCJCC-Regional Dispatch & Records

This post discusses the St. Francois County Joint Communication Center (SFCJCC) which fields 911 calls and dispatches emergency and law enforcement agencies across the region. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Libraries & Librarians!

myMOpd has always loved libraries! As a public defender I often find myself using public libraries and pointing clients to them as well. I will meet clients in libraries near their homes so they don’t need to drive or find a ride to Farmington. I will suggest clients use computers, printers, and scanners at libraries. And I…
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DNA Collection of Criminal Defendants

This post discusses why someone is required to give a DNA sample even if they have not been convicted.
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Expungement

This post discusses expungement which is the process of sealing a misdemeanor or felony from public view.
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100 Crimes with Increased Minimums (for some)

This post discusses a second special classification of crimes (the first is “Dangerous Felonies”); there are 100 crimes which state law mandates increasing minimum sentences if the person convicted has “previous commitment[s] to the [Missouri] department of corrections (DOC).”
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85% Crimes – 30 Dangerous Felonies

This post discusses the first of two special classifications of crimes – “Dangerous Felonies.” There are 30 such crimes. The significance of these crimes is that the person found guilty of such crimes will need to serve 85% of the sentence before they will be parole eligible.
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130 Minimum Prison Term Crimes

This post provides an overview of the two categories with a total of 130 crimes that have “minimum prison terms” convicted felons must serve.
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Evidence: Flock Cameras-Unmasking the Digital Witness

This post discusses local governments’ use of License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, the most common are “Flock”, on roads and how this evidence might impact a criminal defendant’s case
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Evidence: Incident Reports

This post is about law enforcement “incident reports” – something that almost always exists as evidence in criminal cases. This is part of the large series of “Evidence” posts.
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Post Conviction Relief after a Plea

In the Missouri’s 24th Judicial Circuit (St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Madison, and Washington counties), the circuit court judges read a script regarding what is known as post-conviction relief (PCR) rights. I suspect many defendants are missing much of this info and wanted to create a “post” they can return to if needed. A person convicted…
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Discovery: Preserving the Truth>Why Acting Fast is critical in Criminal Defense

This post is the first in an extensive series of posts about evidence. It emphasizes that we must act fast to ensure the evidence is not deleted by law enforcement!
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MSPD HDS Resources> Mental Health & Addiction Care

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Mental Health and Addiction Care resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How to> Apply for Disability

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) How to Apply for Disability resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How to> Get SNAP Benefits

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) How to Get SNAP benefits resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How to> Free Phones

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Free Phone resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How to> Section 8 Housing

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Section 8 Housing resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How to> Establish Parenthood

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) How to Establish Parenthood resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How-to > Child Support Modifications

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Child Support Modification resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How-to > Transportation Alternatives

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Transportation Alternatives resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS How-to > Reinstate Driver’s License

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Driver’s License Reinstatement resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS > Paternity

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Paternity resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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MSPD HDS > How to apply for Medicaid

This post provides a link to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Medicaid Application resource document. It also has a link to all myMOpd’s HDS posts.
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