Distinguishing Between the Real Legal Process and “Encouraging” Internet Myths

Important Preface to Posts on this issue: 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. The internet offers a massive amount of information, and many sites claim to have “hidden” or “secret” knowledge about the legal system that sounds highly sophisticated. These too-good-to-be true information often uses complex terminology regarding the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), maritime law, or financial instruments. However, it is important to know that while these “Redemptionist” or “Sovereign” theories look credible, they are based on misinterpretations that can lead to severe consequences.

If you encounter the following “code words” or claims online, be aware that they are significant red flags (which I will address in a few future posts):

• “Delegation of Authority”: You may see claims that a judge lacks power without a personal contract. In Missouri, a judge’s authority is delegated by the State Constitution, not a private agreement.
• “FARA” Papers: Claims that judges must register as “foreign agents” are incorrect; judges are state officials, and the Foreign Agents Registration Act does not apply to them.
• “CUSIP Numbers” or “Monetized Bonds”: These theories claim court cases are secret financial transactions. In reality, court cases are not financial instruments, and criminal bonds are simply guarantees that a defendant will appear in court.
• “Private Corporations”: Some sites argue the court system is a private company rather than a government entity. Missouri law is clear: judicial power is vested by the Missouri Constitution in the supreme court, court of appeals, and circuit courts.

The Risk of Using These Arguments Judges in Missouri often view the use of this specific language as a sign that a defendant may not have the capacity to understand the proceedings.

Under Section 552.020, RSMo, relying on these unreliable internet theories can provide a judge or prosecutor or even a defense attorney with the legal justification to place you in a state mental facility for evaluation, which can delay resolution of your case.

Whenever any judge has reasonable cause to believe that the accused lacks mental fitness to proceed, the judge shall, upon his or her own motion or upon motion filed by the state or by or on behalf of the accused, by order of record, appoint one or more private psychiatrists or psychologists… to examine the accused…

Please look over the other posts in this series to address some of concerns and debunk some of the information on the internet.

• Navigating Overwhelming Internet (Red Flag) Info about the Judicial System (this post)
• The Judge’s Authority, Credentials, Oath, and Commission
• The Risks to Reliance on Red Flag Information